Improving general practice based epidemiologic surveillance using desktop clients: the French Sentinel Network...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Web-based applications are common for epidemiological surveillance but can disrupt general practitioners' (GPs) workflows.
• An alternative desktop client application was developed for the French General Practitioners Sentinel Network.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a desktop client application as an alternative to web-based tools for epidemiological surveillance.
• To assess the impact of the application on GP workflow, data timeliness, and completeness.

Main Methods:

• A Java-based desktop client application was developed for local GP computer use.
• The application facilitated case reporting to a central server and provided feedback to GPs.
• XML was used for surveillance protocols, questionnaires, and case descriptions; user feedback and data quality were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The desktop application demonstrated better integration into the GP work process, particularly when used during consultations.
• Reporting frequency increased, and data completeness improved, with less missing information.
• User feedback indicated positive reception and improved workflow integration.

Conclusions:

• Desktop client applications offer a viable alternative to web-based systems for epidemiological surveillance.
• Enhanced integration into clinical workflows can increase GP participation and improve surveillance data quality.
• Flexible interaction methods are key to boosting GP engagement in public health surveillance.