Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/epidemiology-surveillance-systems

Introduction

### Course Review: Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks on Coursera In today’s ever-evolving public health landscape, understanding surveillance systems is of paramount importance. The **"Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks"** course on Coursera provides an insightful introduction to epidemiology, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of public health. By focusing on the technical aspects of surveillance systems, this course targets public health practitioners and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of this essential field. #### Course Overview The course adeptly establishes the foundational relationship between epidemiology and public health surveillance, making it accessible for both novices and seasoned professionals. As outlined in its description, students will learn about significant surveillance system objectives, data reporting processes, core attributes of surveillance, and performance assessment techniques. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Surveillance as a Core Public Health Function** The course begins with a historical perspective of public health surveillance. Students are introduced to the health system’s evolution and understand its critical role in monitoring population health. This module emphasizes how both international and domestic surveillance networks operate—key knowledge for anyone aiming to work in public health. By the end of this section, learners appreciate the foundational nature of surveillance in public health practice. 2. **Defining Surveillance Objectives** In the second module, the course dives deeper into what makes a surveillance objective effective. Students learn to identify and balance the public health goals with available resources, using real-world examples to illustrate the complexities involved in designing an effective surveillance system. This practical exercise allows learners to grasp the importance of clarity in surveillance objectives and appreciate that while perfection may be unattainable, systems can be tailored to specific needs. 3. **Surveillance Data Reporting Systems** One of the critical aspects of public health surveillance is the management and dissemination of data. This module focuses on how data collected through surveillance translates into actionable public health policy. Students explore various audiences that consume these reports, benefitting from case studies from both international and U.S. domestic surveillance systems. By the conclusion of this module, learners will be well-versed in the communication pathways of public health data and identifying important stakeholders in the process. 4. **Surveillance System Attributes and Assessing Performance** The final module rounds off the course by introducing surveillance attributes utilized to evaluate the efficacy of public health systems. Students analyze both infectious and chronic disease surveillance systems, honing their skills to systematically assess the utility and performance characteristics of different systems. This critical assessment fosters an understanding of how to compare systems and improve existing models. #### Course Recommendation **"Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks"** is highly recommended for those in the public health sector or individuals interested in gaining insight into the surveillance aspect of epidemiology. The course provides a robust mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, facilitated by real-world examples and expert insights. Whether you are a fresh graduate looking to understand the foundational elements of public health, a seasoned professional wishing to update your knowledge, or someone outside the field with a keen interest, this course offers invaluable content and perspectives. By the end of the course, students will not only gain foundational knowledge but will also build analytical skills necessary for effective public health surveillance—a crucial component for fostering healthier communities. Enrolling in this course on Coursera is a step towards being equipped with the tools needed for meaningful contributions in the field of public health. In conclusion, if you're keen on mastering the essentials of surveillance systems, this course is definitely worth your time and investment. Up your proficiency in public health with **"Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks."**

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.

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.

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.

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.