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Possible method of identifying spotter practices in a health board in Northern Ireland
Abstract:
We examined the notification of infectious diseases, including measles, by general practitioners over 18 months, which included a measles epidemic in the area covered by the Southern Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland. Of the 156 general practitioners who provided services in the area, 27 (17.3%) had a pattern of notification which might render them acceptable as "spotter" practices, a system which at present does not exist in Northern Ireland, although it is used in the rest of the United Kingdom. In future we hope to be able to; (i) predict impending epidemics of infectious disease; (ii) mobilise Health Service resources to minimise the effects of such epidemics; (iii) monitor the effects of improving the level of uptake of measles vaccine.
Insights
General practitioners
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
Background:
- Infectious disease notification is crucial for public health.
- Northern Ireland lacks a "spotter" practice system used elsewhere in the UK.
- A measles epidemic occurred during the study period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess general practitioner notification patterns for infectious diseases.
- To identify potential "spotter" practices for enhanced surveillance.
- To inform future epidemic prediction and resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of infectious disease notifications over 18 months.
- Identification of general practitioners with consistent notification patterns.
- Comparison with existing surveillance systems in the UK.
Main Results:
- 17.3% of general practitioners showed potential as "spotter" practices.
- A measles epidemic highlighted surveillance needs.
- Current notification practices vary among practitioners.
Conclusions:
- A "spotter" practice system could improve infectious disease surveillance in Northern Ireland.
- Predicting and managing epidemics requires robust notification data.
- Monitoring vaccine uptake is essential for disease control.