Abstract
Objective: We describe a centralized automated multi-function detection and reporting system for public health surveillance–the Alberta Real Time Syndromic Surveillance Net (ARTSSN). This improves upon traditional paper-based systems which are often fragmented, limited by incomplete data collection and inadequate analytical capacity, and incapable of providing timely information for public health action.
Methods: ARTSSN concurrently analyzes multiple electronic data sources in real time to describe results in tables, charts and maps. Detected anomalies are immediately disseminated via alerts to decision-makers for action.
Results: ARTSSN provides richly integrated information on a variety of health conditions for early detection of and prompt action on abnormal events such as clusters, outbreaks and trends. Examples of such health conditions include chronic and communicable disease, injury and environmentmediated adverse incidents.
Discussion: Key advantages of ARTSSN over traditional paper-based methods are its timeliness, comprehensiveness and automation. Public health surveillance of communicable disease, injury, environmental hazard exposure and chronic disease now occurs in a single system in real time year round. Examples are given to demonstrate the public health value of this system, particularly during Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Key words: Public health, public health informatics, syndromic surveillance, disease surveillance
Résumé
Objectif: Nous décrivons l’Alberta Real Time Syndromic Surveillance Net (ARTSSN), un système multifonction, centralisé et automatisé de détection et de production de rapports de surveillance de la santé publique. Il s’agit d’une amélioration par rapport aux anciens systèmes sur papier, souvent fragmentaires, limités par la collecte de données incomplètes, par des capacités d’analyse insuffisantes et par l’impossibilité de fournir de l’information en temps utile pour les interventions de santé publique.
Méthode: L’ARTSSN analyse simultanément plusieurs sources de données électroniques en temps réel et en présente les résultats sous forme de tableaux, de diagrammes et de cartes. Les anomalies décelées sont immédiatement communiquées aux décideurs pour qu’ils puissent agir.
Résultats: L’ARTSSN offre une information très bien intégrée sur divers troubles médicaux pour faciliter le dépistage précoce des événements anormaux (concentrations de cas, éclosions, tendances) et une intervention rapide. Les troubles surveillés sont entre autres les maladies chroniques et transmissibles, les blessures et les incidents défavorables d’origine environnementale.
Discussion: Les grands avantages de l’ARTSSN par rapport aux méthodes sur papier sont sa rapidité, sa complétude et son automatisation. Il est maintenant possible d’assurer la surveillance des maladies transmissibles, des blessures, de l’exposition aux dangers environnementaux et des maladies chroniques importantes avec un seul système, en temps réel et à longueur d’année. Nous donnons des exemples pour démontrer l’utilité du système pour la santé publique, tout particulièrement durant la pandémie d’influenza H1N1 de 2009.
Mots clés: santé publique, informatique en santé publique, surveillance syndromique, surveillance des maladies
Footnotes
Acknowledgements: Funding was provided by the Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness (AHW) and (in kind) by the former Capital Health region of the Alberta Health Services (AHS). Drs. Dan Sosin of the US CDC in Atlanta, Maura Ricketts of the Canadian Medical Association, Stephen Gabos of the AHW, and Gerry Predy of the AHS provided valuable advice and discussions. Drs. Gabos and Predy also reviewed an earlier version of this paper. Further support by participating partners was provided by Health Link Alberta, the Department of Emergency Medicine of the University of Alberta, the emergency department of the Edmonton Area hospitals, the Alberta Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, DynaLifeDX Diagnostics Inc., the Edmonton Public School District, the Edmonton Catholic School District and the Parkland School Division # 70. The contributions of Ms. Laurette Phimester (project manager) and our supporting organizations are also acknowledged.
Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, the Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness or the Alberta Health Services. The mention of a company or its product does not constitute an official endorsement of the company or its product.
Conflict of Interest: None to declare.
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