Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Analyses of Surveillance Data

In this first module, we're going to focus on the analyses used in health surveillance. Specifically, we're going to talk about how to interpret time trend data that's harnessed as part of health surveillance programs and strategies used to detect temporal aberrations. We're also going to build on some of your earlier specialization lessons on descriptive epidemiology with a real focus on how it can be used in the analyses of person, place, and time in the context of surveillance data. I really want to highlight throughout the module how we often underutilize surveillance data to analyze complex issues, but I also want to talk about the some of the limitations that exist within the data sets.

Dissemination Strategies and Communication Frameworks

In this module, we will explore strategies for the presentation of surveillance data and some of the complex legal elements that affect the use of health surveillance data. Now, surveillance data are fundamentally different from research data. In research studies, people provide explicit consent for how their data are going to be used. For surveillance data, the collection doesn't include explicit consent. As a result, there are very specific laws governing how the data can and should be used to drive public health programs. We'll also discuss communication strategies in health surveillance given how sensitive it can be to message health surveillance data, and the associated recommendations that come along with communicating these data.

Chronic Disease Surveillance Systems

So we're switching gears today from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases, or often called, chronic diseases. I'll present some of the frameworks and approaches that have been developed to guide chronic disease surveillance and then I'll focus on giving different examples of these, ranging from cancer to cardiovascular health systems. Taking you back to the surveillance cycle from Dr. Gurley's course, "Surveillance Systems: Building Blocks," I'll provide some context on how these chronic disease surveillance systems can really impact chronic disease prevention strategies if communicated effectively. And that brings us back to communication, where we will again focus on approaches to communicate these complex issues and then give an example of how to apply communication framework in the context of a chronic disease.

Special Surveillance Systems

In this module, I will discuss some of the really interesting special surveillance systems. Although having standardized approaches for infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases is fundamentally important, there are also some health issues that do not fit nicely into these boxes, and it's here where these special surveillance systems can really play an important role. As you will see, having a framework or approach to the issue is still relevant, but the approaches are really tailored to the issue at hand. We will start by discussing syndromic surveillance systems, including when to use them and also how to design them. We'll then really evaluate the differences between indicator versus event-driven surveillance systems. We'll then move on to anti-microbial resistance surveillance systems and then talk in more detail about event-related surveillance systems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops comprehension of how to interpret time trend data in health surveillance, which is important for understanding disease patterns over time

Builds on earlier concepts of descriptive epidemiology and applies them to person, place, and time factors in surveillance data analysis

Explores strategies for presenting surveillance data effectively, which is crucial for communicating public health findings and recommendations

Provides insights into the complex legal considerations surrounding the use of surveillance data

Teaches methods for surveillance of non-communicable diseases, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality

Examines special surveillance systems, such as syndromic and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, which are essential for detecting and responding to emerging health threats

Reviews summary

Excellent public health course

Learners say that this Surveillance Systems course is extremely well received with a nearly perfect review score across the board. Excellent notes appear far more frequently than any other notes. Students praise the engaging assignments, clear lectures, and useful information. They also indicate that the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. However, some learners indicate that the materials may be slightly outdated, especially when discussing COVID.

Students frequently mention the knowledgeable and helpful instructors.

"Good course, with a good teacher, really helps the examples and the way the instructor explains all of the surveillance systems."

Students found the lectures to be extremely clear and easy to follow.

"Excellent presentation and full coverage of the topic."

"Very well informed course on Surveillance in epidemiology."

"A clear and thorough discussion by Dr. Baral!"

The course is full of useful information that students described as immediately applicable in their professional lives.

"Excellent course, lots of practical information useful for many situations in my experience."

"I learned all the necessary skills that are required to conduct effective disease/event surveillance."

"Thank you so much for this informative course. I learned about a lot of new approaches here."

Students overwhelmingly agree that this course is an excellent learning opportunity.

"Excellent course."

"EXCELLENT COURSE."

"Excellent, thank you."

"Excellent fully satisfied."

"Excellent course."

A few learners indicate that the materials may be slightly outdated, especially when discussing COVID.

"I did this course as part of the "Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Specialization". This course gave me a little bit of extra information, but I didn't lear many new things. Additionally, it seems outdated in some of its content."

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: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems with these activities:

Explore online resources on surveillance methods

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Explore online resources to supplement understanding of surveillance methods covered in the course.

Browse courses on Public Health Surveillance

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Review online tutorials and articles on surveillance methods.
Participate in online discussion forums to connect with other professionals.

Review epidemiology principles

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Review basic epidemiology principles to strengthen understanding of disease surveillance concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Review the concepts of incidence, prevalence, and mortality.
Practice calculating and interpreting epidemiologic measures using real-world data.

Review statistical analysis procedures

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Review basic statistical analysis procedures to improve understanding of data analysis concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Statistical Analysis

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Review basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
Practice calculating and interpreting statistical measures using a calculator or statistical software.

Four other activities

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Practice data interpretation exercises

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Practice interpreting surveillance data to improve analytical skills covered in the course.

Browse courses on Data Interpretation

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Analyze surveillance data to identify trends and patterns.
Interpret data to make recommendations for public health interventions.

Design a surveillance plan

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Create a surveillance plan to apply understanding of surveillance concepts and methodologies covered in the course.

Browse courses on Public Health Surveillance

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Identify the target population and health outcome of interest.
Determine data sources and collection methods.
Develop a data analysis plan to monitor trends and detect outbreaks.

Discuss case studies in surveillance

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Discuss case studies to enhance understanding of real-world surveillance applications covered in the course.

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Review case studies provided in the course materials.
Participate in peer discussions to analyze and discuss the case studies.

Create a study guide

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Create a study guide to organize and synthesize course materials for effective retention and recall.

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Review course notes, assignments, and quizzes.
Summarize key concepts and definitions.
Include practice questions and exercises for self-assessment.

Career center

Learners who complete Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists work in a variety of industries to use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve public health.

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Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts have the opportunity to work for government agencies and private organizations to utilize data to understand and plan for public health initiatives, policies, and educational programs. Taking this course in Surveillance Systems would provide a strong foundation.

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Health Informatics Specialist

Health Informatics Specialists work in the healthcare industry to manage and analyze health data. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve healthcare systems.

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Infection Control Nurse

Infection Control Nurses work to prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform infection control policies and programs.

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Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists work to protect the health and safety of workers. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform occupational health and safety policies and programs.

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Health Statistician

Health Statisticians work in the health industry to use their statistical expertise to analyze data for the improvement of public health. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a solid foundation for anyone interested in the statistical side of public health.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts work to develop and analyze health policies. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform health policy.

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Health Educator

Health Educators work in a variety of industries to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform health education programs and materials.

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Clinical Data Manager

Clinical Data Managers work in the healthcare industry to manage and analyze clinical data. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to improve clinical outcomes.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists work to protect human health from environmental hazards. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform environmental health policies and programs.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists work in a variety of industries related to public health. This course in Surveillance Systems will help build a foundation for anyone interested in using data to inform public health strategies and policies.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide consulting services to healthcare organizations. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in healthcare consulting gain knowledge in using data to improve healthcare systems.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians work in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to develop innovative statistical methods. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in biostatistics gain knowledge in working with data in a public health context.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists work in the healthcare industry to ensure that products and services meet regulatory requirements. This course in Surveillance Systems may be helpful for someone interested in regulatory affairs, as it provides a foundation in understanding how data is used to inform regulatory decisions.

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Medical Scientist

Medical Scientists work in the research and development sector of the healthcare industry. This course in Surveillance Systems can help someone interested in medical research gain knowledge in working with health surveillance data.

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