3.4 Adaptive and responsive
Data management systems need to be flexible and responsive to changing needs and circumstances. Inflexible systems become outdated quickly, often failing to integrate with other systems effectively. Adaptable systems can change when priorities and requirements change; this is especially relevant in animal and public health surveillance, where priority concerns are constantly evolving. Related to this, a good data management system will have a database design that promotes interoperability with other information systems.
There are few good examples (yet) of adaptive and responsive designs for AMR surveillance anywhere in the world. To get an idea of what such a system could look like, Box 1 summarises how the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is developing a syndromic surveillance system that can be readily adapted to detect and respond to new health threats, which could include a new type of AMR. However, such systems are not yet available in many countries.
Box 1: Overview of US CDC syndromic surveillance system
Putting data to work: from signal to response
Using data from emergency departments nationwide to track symptoms has become a model for electronic data exchange between health care and public health. CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program helps connect local, state, and national public health agencies to data from more than 4,000 healthcare facilities in 45 states, and Washington, DC. Officials can unite nationwide and act quickly when something unusual happens. They can also monitor how well their response is working and adjust as needed.
Enhancing syndromic surveillance and linking multiple data sources is one focus area of CDC’s strategy to improve surveillance data.
- Newer: Cloud-based technology and analysis tools allow local and state users to visualise and share information from an increasing number of health facilities.
- Faster: Near-real-time data allows users to quickly detect and monitor health impacts in their local communities and across the country.
- Smarter: As new health threats emerge, such as Zika infections and opioid overdoses, syndrome definitions can be quickly developed and standardised.
- Better: As new analytic methods are added and participation increases, data sources can be expanded and integrated with other systems, including electronic death records.
3.3 Ensuring data security
