Local collaborations: development and implementation of Boston's bioterrorism surveillance system.
The Boston Public Health Commission developed and implemented an active surveillance system for bioterrorism and other infectious disease emergencies. A bioterrorism Surveillance Task Force was formed with representatives from local emergency medicine, infection control, infectious diseases, public health, and emergency medical services. These local agencies worked together to develop a reliable, easy to use electronic surveillance system. Collaboration at the local level and building on existing relationships is a key component of this system. Effective follow-up systems and technology back-up plans are essential. Improved communication networks and increased bioterrorism education for clinicians and the general public have also been achieved.
McKenna
Verna B
VB
Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
Gunn
Julia E
JE
Auerbach
John
J
Brinsfield
Kathryn H
KH
Dyer
K Sophia
KS
Barry
M Anita
MA
D023482:Bioterrorism; D001900:Boston; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003201:Computers; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D009111:Local Government; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000379:methods