Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
that NC DETECT may improve the early detection of ILI by producing data
that are comparable to and more timely than those produced by the sen-
tinel surveillance system. The enhancements in timeliness, according to
informants, would be critical in the event of pandemic influenza. The addi-
tion of other data, such as ambulatory care visits and pharmacy sales, could
enhance system performance for early detection.
NC DETECT has demonstrated its greatest utility in terms of situation
awareness and response. Situation awareness was enhanced through
the use of filters that allowed DPH to conduct active surveillance for
cases of salmonella related to tainted peanut butter, and respiratory dis-
tress because of chemical exposures from a chemical spill. Public health
response was enhanced when NC DETECT data revealed that heat warn-
ings were not reaching a vulnerable risk group of young adult males who
work outdoors. The real-time nature of the data also allows investigations
to proceed more quickly without having to wait for a final confirmatory
diagnosis.
Key informants also cited enhanced communication between and among
hospitals and public officials as another key value of NC DETECT that
enhanced situation awareness and response. The frequency of communica-
tions had increased as well as the productivity of those interactions. Users
reported how they could quickly exchange information about a suspect
case(s), thereby avoiding duplication of effort or the alternative of missing a
potentially important case altogether.
The evidence from the case study suggests that NC DETECT has become
a core tool for public health epidemiologists, infection control officers, and
other public health practitioners in North Carolina. Several key factors
have aided the development and adoption of NC DETECT statewide and
these include:
The engagement and commitment of key stakeholder groups, in par-
ticular the state's hospital association and the DPH
Passage of legislation mandating hospital participation
The informatics capabilities of UNC to develop and support the system
The relatively low burden to hospitals in terms of time, equipment,
and manpower to participate in NC DETECT
The application's perceived ease of use and low time burden for users
The key barriers to implementation and development of NC DETECT have
been primarily of a technical nature, although the program has developed
processes for identifying and addressing technical challenges and providing
technical assistance to data providers and users. The moves to meet chal-
lenges going forward include:
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