Reply To: Week 2 Topic discussion 1:

[Hteik Htar Tin]

Verification and Preparation Stage, there are 3 following steps to do.
1. Establish the existence of an outbreak
2. Verify the diagnosis
3. Prepare for field work
To verify the outbreak, the field team can report the data within short time and the response team can check whether it is over alert line or not by comparing the former database. The collected data in the central server will provide epidemiological information and can be used in authorization to mobilize the rapid response team. In preparation of field work, the documentation for knowledge and laboratory data can easily be extracted by information technology.
In describing an outbreak stage,
4. Construct a working case definition
5. Find case systematically and record information
6. Perform descriptive epidemiology
For case finding and line listing, the health information system will provide the fast and valid data to analyze by using GIS technology and can present by data visualization technology to monitor the distribution of the diseases. This can support the response team to start the prevention and control measures. Information technology can also provide the working case definitions and epidemiological analysis in real time.
Hypothesis and testing stage require data to perform the interview for population.
7. Develop hypothesis
8. Analytical studies to test hypotheses
9. Special study (environmental study, laboratory study)
If information technology has database of population and geographical area, it can support whether to do environmental study or laboratory study. We can create heatmap for the outbreak area and can-do contact tracing and find point of source for infection. If the information system has interoperability with other systems, we can detect the causal agent (emerging or re-emerging) and alert others to prevent the pandemic spread.
Response and action stage:
10. Implementation of control measures and follow up
11. Communication – including outbreak report
By using information technology, we can use dissemination tools for control measures such as text messaging and chatbots, wearable devices for contact tracing and follow up. For public awareness and stakeholder advocacy, we can announce the risk communication measures through dashboards and mass media with data visualization techniques.