The evaluation of a new standard data set on reported cases of intestinal infectious disease in Scotland, and recommendations for the future.
A national survey of local authorities was carried out to ascertain what information they collected on reported cases of intestinal infectious disease and why. As a result of the survey, and a review of national objectives, two data collection forms designed to satisfy both local and national objectives were piloted. One of the forms was four pages long, and sought much less data than the second form, which was 10 pages long. The outcomes of these investigations were established, and assessed, to see if they could have led to the achievement of the stated local and national objectives. Neither data collection form was entirely successful in fulfilling all local objectives, although the four-page form was no less successful than the ten page form. Neither form succeeded in fulfilling national objectives. The study has shown that our best efforts at fulfilling local and national objectives by the universal administration of either the four-page, or the 10-page form are of limited value. We recommend that the universal collection of such information from reported cases of intestinal infectious disease be discontinued. We recommend a risk-based approach to identify cases whose follow up is more likely to achieve more realistic objectives.
Cree
L
L
Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, Clifton House, Clifton Place, Glasgow G3 7LN, Scotland, UK. Lynn.Cree@scieh.csa.scot.nhs.uk
Cowden
J
J
Morris
G
G
D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D018563:Disease Notification; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012606:Scotland