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Impacts of national surveillance for uncommon conditions in childhood

Yvonne A Zurynski1, Elizabeth Peadon, Carol Bower

  • 1Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia. yvonnez@chw.edu.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|October 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) collects data on rare childhood diseases. This surveillance provides evidence for improving child health practices and policies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) has been collecting data since 1993.
  • It focuses on rare childhood conditions, including infectious diseases, injuries, vaccine-preventable diseases, and genetic disorders.
  • This collaborative research aligns with national health priorities and addresses knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the value of data collected by the APSU surveillance system over the past 14 years.
  • To highlight how APSU data informs public health strategies and clinical practice.
  • To demonstrate the impact of surveillance on child health research and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

  • Monthly data collection from paediatricians and child health specialists across Australia.
  • Inclusion of over 40 rare childhood conditions in the surveillance program.
  • Analysis of epidemiological, frequency, diagnostic, management, and short-term outcome data.

Main Results:

  • APSU surveillance has gathered crucial information on the epidemiology and outcomes of rare childhood conditions.
  • The collected data provides evidence to support changes in clinical practice and prevention policies.
  • Examples demonstrate the significant value of APSU data in the last 14 years.

Conclusions:

  • The APSU surveillance system is a valuable national resource for child health research.
  • Data from APSU directly influences public health policy, clinical practice, and health resource allocation.
  • Continued support for APSU is essential for advancing child health in Australia.

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