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Guidelines for constructing a statewide hospital syndromic surveillance network
Zygmunt F Dembek1, K Carley, J Hadler
1Epidemiology Program, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT 06134-0308, USA. zygmunt.dembek@po.state.ct.us
MMWR Supplements
|September 24, 2005
Summary
A cost-effective statewide hospital emergency department surveillance system was established in Connecticut using existing protocols. This voluntary system demonstrates a feasible model for other regions to implement public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Surveillance
- Epidemiology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Developing a comprehensive and affordable statewide hospital emergency department-based syndromic surveillance system (HEDSS) can serve as a replicable model.
- Limited financial resources presented a challenge for establishing such a system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the requirements for establishing and routinely conducting hospital emergency department (HED)-based syndromic surveillance in Connecticut.
- To assess the feasibility of a voluntary, statewide HEDSS with minimal financial investment.
Main Methods:
- A statewide survey evaluated hospital capacity and willingness to participate in HED syndromic surveillance.
- The New York City HED-based system protocol was adapted for Connecticut, utilizing free analysis programs.
- Daily chief complaint data were transmitted via secure email or FTP to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) for syndrome categorization using SAS software.
Main Results:
- A majority of Connecticut HEDs expressed willingness and ability to participate voluntarily.
- Hospital recruitment commenced in July 2004, with 11 of 32 hospitals joining the HEDSS by the Republican National Convention (RNC).
- An additional six HEDs have since joined the surveillance system.
Conclusions:
- A voluntary statewide HEDSS is achievable with minimal financial resources.
- Leveraging existing, accessible protocols and fostering statewide workgroup consensus facilitated system establishment over several months.