scholarly journals Data collection for outbreak investigations: process for defining a minimal data set using a Delphi approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Perrocheau ◽  
Hannah Brindle ◽  
Chrissy Roberts ◽  
Srinivas Murthy ◽  
Sharmila Shetty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Delphi Process ◽  
Knowledge Network ◽  
Outbreak Investigation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Delphi Approach

Abstract Background Timely but accurate data collection is needed during health emergencies to inform public health responses. Often, an abundance of data is collected but not used. When outbreaks and other health events occur in remote and complex settings, operatives on the ground are often required to cover multiple tasks whilst working with limited resources. Tools that facilitate the collection of essential data during the early investigations of a potential public health event can support effective public health decision-making. We proposed to define the minimum set of quantitative information to collect whilst using electronic device or not. Here we present the process used to select the minimum information required to describe an outbreak of any cause during its initial stages and occurring in remote settings. Methods A working group of epidemiologists took part in two rounds of a Delphi process to categorise the variables to be included in an initial outbreak investigation form. This took place between January–June 2019 using an online survey. Results At a threshold of 75 %, consensus was reached for nineteen (23.2%) variables which were all classified as ‘essential’. This increased to twenty-six (31.7%) variables when the threshold was reduced to 60% with all but one variable classified as ‘essential’. Twenty-five of these variables were included in the ‘Time zero initial case investigation’ ‘(T0)’ form which was shared with the members of the Rapid Response Team Knowledge Network for field testing and feedback. The form has been readily available online by WHO since September 2019. Conclusion This is the first known Delphi process used to determine the minimum variables needed for an outbreak investigation. The subsequent development of the T0 form should help to improve the efficiency and standardisation of data collection during emergencies and ultimately the quality of the data collected during field investigation.

scholarly journals Data collection for outbreak investigations: defining a minimal data set using a Delphi approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Perrocheau ◽  
Hannah Brindle ◽  
Chrissy Roberts ◽  
Srinivas Murthy ◽  
Sharmila Shetty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Delphi Process ◽  
Knowledge Network ◽  
Outbreak Investigation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Delphi Approach

Abstract Background Timely but accurate data collection is needed during health emergencies to inform public health responses. Often, an abundance of data is collected but not used. When outbreaks and other health events occur in remote and complex settings, operatives on the ground are often required to cover multiple tasks whilst working with limited resources. Tools that facilitate the collection of essential data during the early investigations of a potential public health event can support effective public health decision-making. We proposed to define the minimum set of quantitative information to collect whilst using electronic device or not. Here we present the process used to select the minimum information required to describe an outbreak of any cause during its initial stages and occurring in remote settings. Methods A working group of epidemiologists took part in two rounds of a Delphi process to categorise the variables to be included in an initial outbreak investigation form. This took place between January-June 2019 using an online survey. Results At a threshold of seventy-five percent, consensus was reached for nineteen (23.2%) variables which were all classified as ‘essential’. This increased to twenty-six (31.7%) variables when the threshold was reduced to 60% with all but one variable classified as ‘essential’. Twenty-five of these variables were included in the ‘Time zero initial case investigation’ ‘(T0)’ form which was shared with the members of the Rapid Response Team Knowledge Network for field testing and feedback. The form has been readily available online by WHO since September 2019. Conclusion This is the first known Delphi process used to determine the minimum variables needed for an outbreak investigation. The subsequent development of the T0 form will improve the efficiency and standardisation of data collection during emergencies.

scholarly journals Use of Rapid Online Data Collection during a Large Community Enteric Outbreak in Toronto, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Arthur ◽  
Effie Gournis ◽  
Kaitlin Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Large Community ◽  
Exposed Population ◽  
Stomach Pain

ObjectiveTo describe the use of an online survey tool to rapidly collect data from a large community outbreak of enteric illness in Toronto, Canada.IntroductionIn the early morning of Friday January 20, 2017, Toronto Public Health (TPH) was notified of several reports of acute vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain/cramps among students living in residence at a post-secondary institution in Toronto, Canada. A public health investigation was initiated and it was quickly determined that a large number of students and visitors to the campus were affected. Following considerable media coverage, TPH began receiving an overwhelmingly high volume of reports from ill individuals who lived, visited, or worked at the college campus and had experienced gastrointestinal illness.MethodsGastroBusters – an established online foodborne illness reporting tool was quickly adapted to support the outbreak investigation. GastroBusters was rapidly updated to include a screening question allowing ill individuals connected with the outbreak location to self-identify and report their symptoms, onset dates and times, and food histories to TPH securely online. The necessary updates were developed, tested, and implemented in less than one hour. Ill individuals were directed to the GastroBusters website – tph.to/gastrobusters - by college administrators and through media messaging. Those who were ill and reported to TPH through other methods (e.g., by phone) were interviewed by TPH investigators to collect comparable data, which were entered by staff into an online survey that mirrored the structure of the GastroBusters questions. These two data sets were merged and descriptive analyses were conducted using MS Excel and SAS v9.2.ResultsIn total, 354 reports associated with the outbreak were received by TPH - 232 who self-reported through GastroBusters, and 122 reported through other methods who were interviewed by TPH. Use of GastroBusters allowed ill individuals to report at a time convenient to them - 204 (88%) reports were submitted outside of TPH's business hours. As well, by providing ill individuals a method to self-report, TPH was able to rapidly collect, analyze and interpret data over the weekend while minimizing use of TPH staff resources. A summary report was available on Monday January 23, 2017 by 9:00 am, describing 236 confirmed and probable cases whose data were collected via both online surveys (GastroBusters and TPH data collection tool), between Friday and Sunday evenings. These data supported the hypothesis that the source of illness for the outbreak was likely norovirus; this was later confirmed through laboratory results.ConclusionsThis investigation provides a successful example of how an existing online reporting system for foodborne illness can be used for rapid data collection during a large-scale community enteric outbreak, where the exposed population could not be easily defined and the source of illness was unknown. Advantages of using this approach included: 1) rapid and robust data collection resulting in prompt analysis, and 2) efficient use of public health resources given the volume of reports otherwise processed by a public health investigator. Moreover, the investigation coincided with a weekend when there are fewer staff available and large amounts of overtime costs would have been accrued. TPH is currently developing standards for the use of similar tools in the future.References1. Toronto [Internet]. Toronto: City of Toronto; c1998-2017. GastroBusters; [cited October 2, 2017]. Available from: tph.to/gastrobusters

scholarly journals Information Management in Cancer Registries: Evaluating the Needs for Cancer Data Collection and Cancer Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Zachary ◽  
Suzanne A Boren ◽  
Eduardo Simoes ◽  
Jeannette Jackson-Thompson ◽  
J. Wade Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Cancer Registry ◽  
Cancer Registries ◽  
Registry Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Common Data Elements ◽  
Cancer Registry Data ◽  
Treatment Data ◽  
Data Elements

Cancer registry data collection involves, at a minimum, collecting data on demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment. A common, identified, and standardized set of data elements is needed to share data quickly and efficiently with consumers of this data. This project highlights the fact that, there is a need to develop common data elements; Surveys were developed for central cancer registries (CCRs) and cancer researchers (CRs) at NCI-designated Cancer Centers, in order to understand data needs. Survey questions were developed based on the project focus, an evaluation of the research registries and database responses, and systematic review of the literature. Questions covered the following topics: 1) Research, 2) Data collection, 3) Database/ repository, 4) Use of data, 5) Additional data items, 6) Data requests, 7) New data fields, and 8) Cancer registry data set. A review of the surveys indicates that all cancer registries’ data are used for public health surveillance, and 96% of the registries indicate the data are also used for research. Data are available online in interactive tables from over 50% of CRs and 87% of CCRs. Some other survey responses indicate that CCR treatment data are not complete for example treatment data, however cancer researchers are interested in treatment variables from CCRs. Cancer registries have many data available for review, but need to examine what data are needed and used by different entities. Cancer Registries can further enhance usage through collaborations and partnerships to connect common interests in the data by making registries visible and accessible.Keywords: Public Health; Disease Registries; Disease Reporting

AN EXPLORATION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN TEENAGERS’ USE, CONSUMPTION AND DIGITAL PRODUCTION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina-Maricica Seserman ◽  
Daniela Cojocaru
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
The Way

Today’s teenagers have a very close relationship with ICTs and the digital space related to them, as they have impacted the way the youth constructs their sense of self and the tools they use to perform their carefully constructed identity. One key element which influences the way one constructs their views by themselves is within the boundaries set by their biological sex and therefore through the behaviors associated with their asigned gender. Through the symbolic interactionist lense, or more specifically through Goffman's dramaturgical theory on the manner in which one presents him/herself in society, this paper looks at the manner in which teenagers use social media platforms and at the way they consume and create digital content in order to present their gender identity. The way teenagers consume and produce digital content differs and depends on how they interpret their ideals of femininity and masculinity, which are afterwards reproduced in the content they post on their social media pages. Therefore this research is an attempt to understand what are the factors teenagers take in account when consuming and producing content. What gender differences can be observed in regards to new media consumption? What difference can be observed in online activity behaviors between males and females? How do they feel about their gender identity concerning fitting in with their peer group? A mix-methodological approach was engaged in the data collection process. In the first stage of the research highschool students (n=324) from the city of Suceava (Romania) participated in taking an online survey. The initial intent was to meet with the young respondents in person, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this was deemed impossible. For the second stage of data collection, six of the participants who took the online survey were invited to participate in a focus group designed to grasp a better understanding of the results from the previous stage. The discovered findings uncover engaging gender similarities and differences in social media consumption and the type, subject, matter and style in which they posted their content, but also in regards to the performance of the self between the online and offline space.

FAKTOR PENGETAHUAN YANG MEMPENGARUHI KETERATURAN IBU BALITA DALAM MENGUNJUNGI POSYANDU DI DESA CIPANGERAN KECAMATAN SAGULING KABUPATEN BANDUNG BARAT TAHUN 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Lia Kamila ◽  
Liawati . ◽  
Suci Lailani Alipah
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Analytical Method ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

ABSTRAK Indikator D/S di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Saguling Desa Cipangeran pada tahun 2016 menunjukkan masih rendahnya kunjungan balita dalam kegiatan posyandu dengan rata-rata hanya memcapai 41,5%, sedangkan target standar palayanan kota jumlah D/S yaitu 85%. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keteraturan ibu dalam mengunjungi Posyandu dari faktor pengetahuan di Desa Cipangeran Kecamatan Saguling Kabupaten Bandung Barat tahun 2017. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer. Populasi seluruh balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Saguling tahun 2016 sebanyak 424 ibu balita, besar sampel yang diambil 81 ibu balita, pengambilan sampel dengan menggunakan Sampel Random Sampling, pengumpulan data dengan hasil kuesioner berisi pertanyaan untuk mendapatkan data yang berkaitan dengan variabel yang diteliti. Hasil penelitian pengetahuan ibu balita didapatkan hampir setengah berada dikategori cukup yaitu 47 ibu balita (58%), namun masih ada ibu balita yang memiliki pengetahuan baik yaitu 18 ibu balita (22%), dan ibu balita yang memiliki pengetahuan kurang yaitu 16 ibu balita (20%). Kesimpulan dari penelitian didapatkan tingkat pengetahuan ibu balita yang tidak teratur dalam mengunjungi Posyandu di Desa Cipangeran Kecamatan Saguling Kabupaten Bandug Barat hampir setengah ibu balita berpengetahuan cukup. ABSTRACT The D / S indicator in the working area of ​​Saguling Public Health Center of Cipangeran Village in 2016 indicates that the low number of toddler visits in posyandu activities reaches an average of 41.5%, while the standard target for city / city is 85%. The purpose of this study is to determine the regularity of mothers in visiting Posyandu from knowledge factor in Cipangeran Village, Saguling District, West Bandung regency in 2017. This research method using analytical method with cross sectional approach. The data used is primary data.The population of all toddlers in the working area of Saguling Publich Health Center in 2016 were 424 mother, the sample size was 81 mother, using Random Sampling , data collection with questionnaires containing questions to obtain data related to the variables studied. The result of the research of the knowledge of the mother of the toddler is almost sufficient, namely 47 mothers (58%),but there are still mother who have good knowledge that is 18 mother of toddler (22%) and mother with less knowledge that is 16 mother of balita (20%). The conclusion of the research is the level of knowledge of irregular mother in visiting Posyandu in Cipangeran Village, Saguling, of West Bandung district, almost half of the toddler are knowledgeable enough.

scholarly journals Are public health measures and individualised care compatible in the face of a pandemic? A national observational study of bereaved relatives’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
The Face ◽  
Individualised Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Informative Communication

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.

scholarly journals Precautionary Behavior Practices and Psychological Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients and Quarantined Persons

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6070
Author(s):  
Yubin Lee ◽  
Byung-Woo Kim ◽  
Shin-Woo Kim ◽  
Hyunjin Son ◽  
Boyoung Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Social Solidarity ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Precautionary Behavior ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Background: since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in 2019, South Korea has enforced isolation of patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as quarantine for close contacts of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and persons traveling from abroad, in order to contain its spread. Precautionary behavior practices and psychological characteristics of confirmed and quarantined persons were investigated for planning pandemic recovery and preparedness. Methods: this study was conducted with 1716 confirmed patients and quarantined persons in Daegu and Busan, regions where a high number of cases were confirmed during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. We collected online survey data from 23 April to 20 May 2020, in Daegu, and 28 April to 27 May 2020, in Busan, in cooperation with Daegu and Busan Infectious Disease Control Centers and public health centers in the regions. COVID-19 symptoms, pre-cautionary behavior practices, psychological states, and the need for improvement in isolation/quarantine environments were examined using an online survey. Results: compared to patients infected with coronavirus, quarantined persons engaged in more hygiene-related behaviors (e.g., hand washing, cough etiquette, and proper mask-wearing) and social distancing. COVID-19 patients had a strong fear of stigma, while quarantined persons had a strong fear of contracting COVID-19. Study participants responded that it was necessary to provide financial support and adequate information during isolation/quarantine. Conclusions: the study highlights the importance of precautionary behavior to prevent COVID-19 infection and the need to provide support (both psychological and financial) to patients and quarantined persons, to reinforce effective communication, social solidarity, and public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) in a pandemic situation.

The Use of Twitter as an Interactive Learning Tool Within a Postgraduate Public Health Course: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 237337992097842
Author(s):  
Rimante Ronto ◽  
Alexandra Bhatti ◽  
Josephine Chau
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Master Of Public Health ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
The Impact

Twitter has gained attention in recent years as a tool to use in higher education to enhance students’ learning, engagement, and reflective writing. This study explored public health students’ perceptions on the usefulness of Twitter as a learning tool, engagement with their peers, staff, and the broader public health community. Participants were Master of Public Health students from a public university based in Sydney, Australia. A mixed methods approach was used combining content analysis of tweets, an online survey and two focus groups. Students were asked to engage with Twitter by reflecting on each week’s teaching content and by liking and replying to their peers’ tweets. Participation and engagement in this task were high initially and declined toward the end of semester. Most student tweets aligned with topics taught during the semester. Survey and focus group data indicated most students had positive views on using Twitter and reported finding engagement with Twitter beneficial in obtaining current information on health promotion news and trends, increasing their professional networks and allowing them to connect with their peers and teaching staff. Results indicate Twitter is a promising interactive approach to enhance public health students’ engagement and overall learning experience, as well as being useful for professional networking. Larger scale empirical studies are needed to investigate the impact of the use of social media platforms such as Twitter to various learning outcomes longitudinally and beyond this course.

scholarly journals Delivery of the National Child Measurement Programme in England

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Martin Čadek ◽  
Stuart W. Flint ◽  
Ralph Tench
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Other ◽  
Service Availability ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Convenience Sampling

Abstract Objective: The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a mandatory initiative delivered in England to children in reception and year 6. To date, no research has explored the methods used to deliver the NCMP by Local Government Authorities (LGA) across England. Design: An online survey was administered between February 2018 and May 2018 to explore the delivery of the NCMP across the 152 LGAs in England and disseminated using non-probability convenience sampling. Setting: LGAs received an anonymous link to the survey. Participants: A total of 92 LGAs participated in the survey. Results: Most LGAs who responded provide result feedback (86%), a proactive follow-up (71%) and referrals to services (80%). Additionally, 65% of the authorities tailor Public Health England specimen result letters to suit their needs, and 84% provide attachments alongside. Out of 71% of LGAs who provide proactive follow-up, 19 (29%) provide the proactive follow-up only to upper weight categories, and only 4 (6 %) include Healthy Weight category with other categories in proactive follow-up. Regarding the service availability for children, out of 80% of LGAs who indicated that services are available, 32 (43%) targeted solely upper weight categories while the other 42 (57%) offered services across all weight categories. Finally, most LGAs (88%) commission providers to manage various parts of the NCMP. Conclusions: The results show that LGAs in England localise the NCMP. Further guidance regarding standards of best practice would help LGAs to find the most suitable localisation out of various options that exist across other LGAs.

scholarly journals What makes a ‘successful’ collaborative research project between public health practitioners and academics? A mixed-methods review of funding applications submitted to a local intervention evaluation scheme

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter van der Graaf ◽  
Lindsay Blank ◽  
Eleanor Holding ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Evaluation Scheme ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Public Health Practitioners

Abstract Background The national Public Health Practice Evaluation Scheme (PHPES) is a response-mode funded evaluation programme operated by the National Institute for Health Research School for Public Health Research (NIHR SPHR). The scheme enables public health professionals to work in partnership with SPHR researchers to conduct rigorous evaluations of their interventions. Our evaluation reviewed the learning from the first five years of PHPES (2013–2017) and how this was used to implement a revised scheme within the School. Methods We conducted a rapid review of applications and reports from 81 PHPES projects and sampled eight projects (including unfunded) to interview one researcher and one practitioner involved in each sampled project (n = 16) in order to identify factors that influence success of applications and effective delivery and dissemination of evaluations. Findings from the review and interviews were tested in an online survey with practitioners (applicants), researchers (principal investigators [PIs]) and PHPES panel members (n = 19) to explore the relative importance of these factors. Findings from the survey were synthesised and discussed for implications at a national workshop with wider stakeholders, including public members (n = 20). Results Strengths: PHPES provides much needed resources for evaluation which often are not available locally, and produces useful evidence to understand where a programme is not delivering, which can be used to formatively develop interventions. Weaknesses: Objectives of PHPES were too narrowly focused on (cost-)effectiveness of interventions, while practitioners also valued implementation studies and process evaluations. Opportunities: PHPES provided opportunities for novel/promising but less developed ideas. More funded time to develop a protocol and ensure feasibility of the intervention prior to application could increase intervention delivery success rates. Threats: There can be tensions between researchers and practitioners, for example, on the need to show the 'success’ of the intervention, on the use of existing research evidence, and the importance of generalisability of findings and of generating peer-reviewed publications. Conclusions The success of collaborative research projects between public health practitioners (PHP) and researchers can be improved by funders being mindful of tensions related to (1) the scope of collaborations, (2) local versus national impact, and (3) increasing inequalities in access to funding. Our study and comparisons with related funding schemes demonstrate how these tensions can be successfully resolved.

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