Epidemiology module of practical skills for mbbs student

Prerequisites for effective Surveillance

ƒ Standard case definitions (to ensure uniformity in reporting)

ƒ Recording and reporting system (to ensure regularity in reporting)

ƒ List of all the reporting units (to ensure completeness in reporting)

The quality of surveillance data depends upon correct diagnostic criteria, timeliness and completeness of reports.

STEPS IN CONDUCTING SURVEILLANCE

The five steps in surveillance, carried out at various levels (sub-center upwards), include:

Step1: Collect data

Collect data on the cases and deaths due to all VPDs in your area. The three different data collection methods are:

Passive/Routine Surveillance: Data is collected and reported monthly by all the reporting units (from the SC upwards) in the UIP format. However, Weekly reporting is required for AFP surveillance. Detailed information regarding individual cases is essential for diseases under eradication or elimination such as poliomyelitis and Neonatal tetanus.

Reliable sources of data for routine surveillance include outpatient and inpatient registers, and individual patient records, including:

• 
  ƒ Cases that have visited a government health facility for treatment
  
• 
  ƒ Cases seen by health workers during outreach immunization sessions
  
• 
  ƒ Cases treated at non-government health facilities e.g. private practitioners, NGO-run hospitals etc.
  
• 
  ƒ Cases that were reported by ASHA/AWW/community or the media and verified by the visit of a health worker