The role of nurses in surveillance to enhance global health security: A delphi study

Internationally, nurses are gaining recognition for their contributions to public health and global health initiatives, however, their contributions to surveillance and the detection of new and emerging infectious disease, which is an important element of global health security, remain largely unknown.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of nurse experts related to the current and optimal roles of nurses in surveillance of new and emerging infectious diseases. Additionally, this study aimed to identify the skills needed by nurses in all practice settings for optimal performance of surveillance and to identify barriers to achieving optimal performance of surveillance.

A three-round Delphi study was conducted. Nurse experts participated in Round 1 interviews followed by ranking current and optimal role, skill, and barrier statements in Rounds 2 and 3.

Findings revealed four current roles and 13 optimal roles for nurses in surveillance, 13 skills needed to perform surveillance activities, and seven barriers to optimal performance of surveillance activities by nurses.

Results of this study are intended to inform nursing practice and education in the U.S., and to provide guidance on the role of nurses in surveillance of new and emerging infectious disease as part of the Global Health Security Agenda.