Developing an evaluation framework for public health environmental surveillance: Protocol for an international,
Douglas G Manuel1,2,3,4, Carol Bennett1,2, Emma Brown1
1Methodological and Implementation Research Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Plos One
|May 27, 2025
Summary
A consensus study developed an evaluation framework for public health environmental surveillance systems. This framework, informed by wastewater-based surveillance, aims to improve system reliability and value.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Public health environmental surveillance has expanded, notably with wastewater-based surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Robust evaluation methods are crucial as surveillance systems evolve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a consensus-based evaluation framework for public health environmental surveillance systems.
- To inform the framework using insights from wastewater-based surveillance practices.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a multinational, multidisciplinary executive group.
- Scoping reviews and expert consultations to generate candidate framework items.
- A two-round international electronic Delphi survey to achieve consensus.
Main Results:
- A consensus-driven evaluation framework for public health environmental surveillance.
- Identification of minimum criteria for evaluating surveillance systems.
Conclusions:
- The framework provides multidisciplinary and multinational consensus on evaluation criteria.
- Aims to enhance the sustainability, implementation, reliability, credibility, and value of environmental surveillance.
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