Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Surveillance as a Core Public Health Function

In the first module, we're going to review the history of public health surveillance and discuss its role in improving public health. Surveillance is one of the most basic ways that public health practitioners monitor the health and well-being of populations. Understanding how these data are used is essential. In addition to reviewing what public health surveillance is, we will discuss examples of international surveillance networks and domestic surveillance networks in the United States. Many surveillance systems are very localized, but in an increasingly connected world, the need for integrated and collaborative surveillance platforms continues to grow. By the end of this module, I hope you'll see how fundamental surveillance is to public health practice.

Defining Surveillance Objectives

In this module, we'll discuss examples of surveillance objectives and the considerations that go into deciding what the objective should be and how this must be balanced with public health goals and available resources. Clear thinking about the objective for surveillance system will guide every decision from how to define your cases, to where to look for them, and what kinds if any of diagnostic test to use. I'll provide you with real world example of a public health surveillance system to give you the opportunity to wrangle with how to design a surveillance system based on its objectives. In this exercise, you'll learn that no surveillance system is perfect, but they can be well-suited for a specific purpose.

Surveillance Data Reporting Systems

In this module, we'll discuss what happens with data that are generated from public health surveillance. Recall that public health surveillance data are collected to spur public health action and decision-making. So we'll talk about how this reporting occurs. You'll think through all the various audiences who will use data from a surveillance system. We'll present examples from international and domestic surveillance systems in the United States to give you an opportunity to identify who would expect to have a report from some specific public health surveillance systems. At the end of this module, you'll be able to describe how public health data are communicated for public health action and how important stakeholders are identified.

Surveillance System Attributes and Assessing Performance

In this final module, we'll introduce you to various surveillance attributes we use to describe the performance of public health surveillance systems. While no surveillance systems is perfect, we need to be able to systematically evaluate the utility of the surveillance and compare surveillance systems. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a list of surveillance attributes which are commonly used globally, and we will review those. You will think about these attributes and performance characteristics within the context of two separate public health surveillance systems: one for an infectious disease, and one for a chronic disease.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in designing and implementing public health surveillance systems

Focuses on public health practitioners and others who want to learn about surveillance

Reviews the history of public health surveillance

Introduces various surveillance attributes for describing system performance

Emphasizes the importance of understanding surveillance data for decision-making

Reviews summary

Public health surveillance techniques

Learners say this course on "Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks" imparts essential knowledge regarding public health surveillance systems and their significance in preventing diseases. The course's engaging assignments and easy-to-understand lectures, along with the instructor's expertise and real-life examples, make the learning experience compelling and enjoyable. However, some learners express concerns about the course duration not being accurately reflected in the final certificate.

The principles of surveillance can be directly applied to real-world situations.

"I learned that the nine principles of surveillance could be applied to the current COVID19 situation."

"Examples given are based on real life cases and situations, which makes the content even more compelling."

"The real-life examples present with clarity the underlying importance of the surveillance process when tracking communicable diseases, and how to focus efforts on the right elements."

Renowned instructor shares valuable insights from personal research.

"The instructor has an active research program in Bangladesh, and draws upon it for many interesting examples."

"The course is structured very nicely giving us a lot of relevant reference materials pertaining to surveillance and relating it with real projects to give a better understanding."

"Her entire well-presented course section on epidemiology surveillance is relatable, connective, & easy to understand, with cohesive comparable slides."

Clear and comprehensive content presented in an engaging manner.

"The whole course is very clear and straight forward. Together with examples, it is very easy to understand."

"This is a comprehensive foundational course on one of the most useful concepts in epidemiology - surveillance."

"My best part is learning through the epidemiology course presentations was with Dr. Gurley."

"Great explanation about the most important topic of Epidemiology. Thanks to instructor Emily who showed how she along with ICDDR,B initiated Surveillance System to combat Nipah Virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and Rotavirus in my country Bangladesh."

Discrepancy between actual course duration and the time stated on the final certificate.

"I studied this course as part of the specialization "Epidemiology in Public Health Practice", which accumulates 5 courses like this one. After final validation and many hours of study, the final certificate for the specialization states that I worked an estimated "4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week", which is the same amount of time stated for a single course, such as "Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice"."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks with these activities:

Practice Identifying Surveillance Objectives

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of how surveillance objectives are defined and aligned with public health goals.

Show steps

Complete the interactive exercise on surveillance objectives provided in the course materials.
Discuss different examples of surveillance objectives with classmates in the discussion forum.

Explore Data Reporting Systems

Show steps

Gain practical experience in understanding how public health data is reported and utilized for decision-making.

Show steps

Follow an online tutorial on public health data reporting systems.
Analyze a sample data set and identify the different types of reports that can be generated.

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Surveillance Epidemiologist

Surveillance Epidemiologists typically need to possess a graduate degree in public health or a related field. The field of epidemiology uses surveillance data to track disease, injury, and other health conditions in order to create public health policy. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of public health surveillance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surveillance Epidemiologist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians typically need a graduate degree in biostatistics or a related field. They use statistical analysis to improve the quality of public health. The course's focus on surveillance performance assessment and attribute evaluation may prove useful to one who wishes to be a Biostatistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Public Health Nurse

A registered nurse, a Public Health Nurse works to prevent disease and promote wellness in a community. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health and the core surveillance attributes may be useful for a Public Health Nurse.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists research and analyze the spread of disease and other health conditions to inform public health policies. An Epidemiologist who understands the core tenets of surveillance systems may be more effective in utilizing such data in their research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators typically need a graduate degree in public health or a related field. The course's focus on defining surveillance objectives and surveillance data reporting systems may be useful to a Public Health Educator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts typically need an advanced degree (usually a master's or doctorate) in a related field. They analyze and develop policies to improve public health outcomes. The course's focus on the role of surveillance systems in public health and its core attributes may be useful in carrying out such responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists typically need an advanced degree (usually a master's or doctorate) in environmental health or a related field. The course's focus on defining surveillance objectives and surveillance data reporting systems may be useful to one who wishes to work as an Environmental Health Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Global Health Analyst

Global Health Analysts typically require a graduate degree (usually masters or doctoral) in public health or a related field. They work to plan and execute international public health programs. The course's focus on international surveillance networks and data reporting systems may be useful to those who seek a career in Global Health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Analyst

Infectious Disease Physician

Infectious Disease Physicians are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and often are tasked with developing treatment plans. The course's focus on public health surveillance systems and performance assessment may be useful to keep abreast of evolving patterns of disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infectious Disease Physician

Health Educator

Health Educators develop and execute programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles. The course's focus on surveillance objectives and data reporting may prove useful in the development and implementation of such programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians typically need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. They help plan diets and provide advice on nutrition. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health may be useful for any Registered Dietitian who wishes to take on a public health role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants typically need a bachelor's degree and training from an accredited program. They work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care. The course's focus on the core surveillance attributes and the performance assessment of surveillance systems may be useful for a Physician Assistant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Clinical Laboratory Technician

Clinical Laboratory Technicians typically need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. The course's focus on surveillance data reporting systems may be helpful to a Clinical Laboratory Technician who is responsible for handling, transmitting, and processing lab data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Laboratory Technician

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors diagnose and treat patients, and they often are tasked with managing surveillance data for their patients. The course's focus on surveillance objectives and system performance assessment may be useful for Medical Doctors who must handle such data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field or proven experience in healthcare. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health may be useful in understanding how surveillance data can be used to promote products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative