title: Improving rheumatic fever surveillance in New Zealand: results of a surveillance sector review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The New Zealand (NZ) Government has made a strong commitment to reduce the incidence of rheumatic fever (RF) by two thirds, to 1.4 cases per 100,000, by mid-2017. We reviewed the NZ RF surveillance sector, aiming to identify potential improvements which would support optimal RF control and prevention activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review used a recently developed surveillance sector review method. Interviews with 36 key informants were used to describe the sector, assess it and identify its gaps. Priorities for improvement and implementation strategies were determined following discussion with these key informants, with policy advisors and within the research team.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key improvements identified included the need for a comprehensive RF surveillance strategy, integrated reporting and an online national RF register. At a managerial level this review provided evidence for system change and built support for this across the surveillance sector.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The surveillance sector review approach can be added to the small set of tools currently available for developing and evaluating surveillance systems. This new approach is likely to prove useful as we confront the challenges of combating new emerging infectious diseases, responding to global environmental changes, and reducing health inequalities.
authors.affiliation: University of Otago, PO Box 7343, 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington 6242, New Zealand. olija865@student.otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Nevil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pierse
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012213:Rheumatic Fever / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control