The remarkable adaptability of syndromic surveillance to meet public health needs

Beverley J. Paterson; David N. Durrheim

doi:10.1016/j.jegh.2012.12.005

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Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2013, Pages 41 - 47

The remarkable adaptability of syndromic surveillance to meet public health needs

Authors

Beverley J. Paterson^a^{, b}^{, *}^,Beverley.Paterson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au, David N. Durrheim^a^{, b}^{, c}

^aHunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia

^bPrivate Bag 10, Wallsend, 2287 NSW, Australia

^cHunter New England Population Health, Newcastle, Australia

^*Corresponding author at: Private Bag 10, Wallsend, 2287 NSW, Australia. Tel.: +61 49246275.

Corresponding Author

Beverley J. PatersonBeverley.Paterson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Received 13 June 2012, Revised 11 December 2012, Accepted 18 December 2012, Available Online 20 January 2013.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jegh.2012.12.005 How to use a DOI?
Keywords: Syndromic surveillance; Outbreaks; International Health Regulations; Infectious diseases; Public health
Abstract: The goal of syndromic surveillance is the earlier detection of epidemics, allowing a timelier public health response than is possible using traditional surveillance methods. Syndromic surveillance application for public health purposes has changed over time and reflects a dynamic evolution from the collection, interpretation of data with dissemination of data to those who need to act, to a more holistic approach that incorporates response as a core component of the surveillance system. Recent infectious disease threats, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), avian influenza (H5N1) and pandemic influenza (H1N1), have all highlighted the need for countries to be rapidly aware of the spread of infectious diseases within a region and across the globe. The International Health Regulations (IHR) obligation to report public health emergencies of international concern has raised the importance of early outbreak detection and response. The emphasis in syndromic surveillance is changing from automated, early alert and detection, to situational awareness and response. Published literature on syndromic surveillance reflects the changing nature of public health threats and responses. Syndromic surveillance has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to rapidly shifting public health needs. This adaptability makes it a highly relevant public health tool.
Open Access: This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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Journal: Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Volume-Issue: 3 - 1
Pages: 41 - 47
Publication Date: 2013/01/20
ISSN (Online): 2210-6014
ISSN (Print): 2210-6006
DOI: 10.1016/j.jegh.2012.12.005 How to use a DOI?
Open Access: This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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ris enw bib

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Beverley J. Paterson
AU  - David N. Durrheim
PY  - 2013
DA  - 2013/01/20
TI  - The remarkable adaptability of syndromic surveillance to meet public health needs
JO  - Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
SP  - 41
EP  - 47
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
SN  - 2210-6014
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jegh.2012.12.005
DO  - 10.1016/j.jegh.2012.12.005
ID  - Paterson2013
ER  -

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