Surveillance Types

Surveillance

The systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data to guide public health actions.

Goal of Surveillance

To provide information that can be used for health action by government, public health, and the public to guide public health policy and programs.

Main Purposes of Surveillance

To assess public health status, define health priorities, evaluate programs, and stimulate research.

Active Surveillance

A type of surveillance where health agencies contact health providers seeking reports to identify possible outbreaks.

Passive Surveillance

Surveillance where disease is reported by health care professionals; it is simple and inexpensive but limited by reporting completeness.

Sentinel Surveillance

Involves a limited network of carefully selected reporting sites to target a specific disease; can be active or passive.

Syndromic Surveillance

Focuses on one or more symptoms to detect or anticipate outbreaks, particularly bioterrorism.

Steps to Surveillance

1. Data Collection/Reporting 2. Data Analysis 3. Data Interpretation 4. Data Dissemination 5. Link to Action.

Data Dissemination

The distribution of collected health data through public service announcements, press, and social media.

Link to Action in Surveillance

Determines what must be done to stop the spread of public health threats, such as containment.