Public Health L3

Question 1

Surveillance definition

Answer 1

systematic ongoing collection, collation, analysis of data and the timely dissemination of information to those who need to know so that action can be taken.

Example: Public health surveillance involves monitoring the spread of diseases in a community.

Question 2

Active surveillance definition

Answer 2

organization conducting the surveillance initiates procedures to obtain reports.

Active surveillance involves actively seeking out information on health events.

Question 3

Passive surveillance definition

Answer 3

organization conducting the surveillance does not contact potential reporters of adverse health events but rather leaves the task for reporting any such events to others, e.g. practicing physicians.

Passive surveillance relies on others to report health events.

Question 4

Sensitivity definition

Answer 4

to what extent does the surveillance system identify all relevant events in the target population.

Sensitivity is important to ensure all cases are captured by the surveillance system.

Question 5

Specificity definition

Answer 5

to what extent does the surveillance system correctly exclude events which are not related to the disease under surveillance.

Specificity helps in ensuring that only relevant events are included in the surveillance data.

Question 6

Timeliness definition

Answer 6

refers to the speed of the entire cycle of info flow, ranging from info collection to dissemination.

Timeliness is crucial to enable quick responses to health events.

Question 7

Representativeness definition

Answer 7

to what extent do events detected through the surveillance system represent the majority of relevant cases in the target population.

Representativeness ensures that the surveillance data accurately reflects the overall health situation.

Question 8

Positive predictive value definition

Answer 8

to what extent are reported cases really cases? To what extent are measured changes in trends truly reflective of events in the larger population.

Positive predictive value helps in determining the accuracy of reported cases.

Question 9

Flexibility definition

Answer 9

to what extent can the system be changed to address new questions? Can the system adapt to evolving standards of diagnosis or medical care?

Flexibility allows the surveillance system to keep up with changing needs and standards.

Question 10

Acceptability definition

Answer 10

extent to which the participants are enthusiastic, their participation rate, and do they trust that efforts will yield useful information?

Acceptability is crucial for ensuring active participation and trust in the surveillance system.