Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
1.0 Ensure Earliest Possible Detection of Bio Events
1.3 Exchange critical
information about alarm/
indicator
1.2 Assess validity of
alarm/indicator
1.1 Perceive significant
alarms/indicators
How effectively is the
information being
exchanged?
How significant is this
alarm or indicator?
Is this a bona fide
alarm or indicator?
Level 3 - Projection
Level 3 - Projection
Level 3 - Projection
Projected impact of the
alarm on a bio event
Projected likelihood of
additional alarms
Projected impact of the
alarm on a bio event
Projected alarm reliability
Projected need to
communicate information
Projected need to gather
information
Level 2 - Comprehension
Level 2 - Comprehension
Level 2 - Comprehension
Importance of information
to other health workers
Importance of alarm
Consistency of the alarms
Relevance of alarm to
current situation
Public reactions to the
alarms
Relevance of information
to other health workers
Level 1 - Perception
Source of alarm
Number of alarms
Level 1 - Perception
Ty pe of alarm
Onset of the alarm
Level 1 - Perception
Ty pe of information
Requests for information
Figure 4.4
Hypothetical example of information requirements for a portion of a GDTA for the biosurveil-
lance domain.
of the major challenges in biosurveillance is that the sources of data are infi-
nite. As illustrated in the Milwaukee cryptosporidosis outbreak, both critical
sources (e.g., emergency room reports) as well as noncritical sources (e.g.,
drug store sales on nonprescription drugs) of information are important. As
such, biosurveillance systems need to include a broad range of information
sources. Yet, the key to maximizing operational efficiency is to determine
what information is significant and to validate this information, thus, avoid-
ing collecting data that is not useful. The GDTA methodology can be used
to isolate this essential data. In turn, applying SAOD principles (discussed
next) will help ensure that biosurveillance systems are designed to optimally
present this information to its users.
4.3.2 Sa-Oriented Design Principles
The SAOD principles include a set of 50 design principles based on a theo-
retical model of the mechanisms and processes involved in acquiring and
