Biosurveillance technology : providing situational awareness through increased information sharing

Abstract

This need for the public health and medical enterprise to share information, has increased over the last decade, due to events such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak, and other naturally occurring outbreaks, such as the recent Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104 (STEC O104:H4) infections occurring in, and associated with, travel to Germany. This thesis explores the various ways that information sharing can be improved within the public health and medical enterprise. Through case studies and interviews, a conceptual framework, the LEAPS model, was developed to guide the process to improve information sharing. This model is based upon the establishment of a strong foundation in health information sharing and disease surveillance. This model is centered upon leadership, policy, and strategy. The LEAPS model framework is then expanded to offer specific ways for the public health and medical enterprise to improve information sharing within jurisdictions and sectors to rapidly detect and respond to naturally occurring or intentional disease outbreaks or exposures and to create better situational awareness and a common operating picture.