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. 2010 Mar 22:11:24.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-24.

Computerized general practice based networks yield comparable performance with sentinel data in monitoring epidemiological time-course of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness

Carla Truyers  1 , Emmanuel Lesaffre, Stefaan Bartholomeeusen, Bert Aertgeerts, René Snacken, Bernard Brochier, Fernande Yane, Frank Buntinx
Affiliations

Computerized general practice based networks yield comparable performance with sentinel data in monitoring epidemiological time-course of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness

Carla Truyers et al. BMC Fam Pract. .

Abstract

Background: Computerized morbidity registration networks might serve as early warning systems in a time where natural epidemics such as the H1N1 flu can easily spread from one region to another.

Methods: In this contribution we examine whether general practice based broad-spectrum computerized morbidity registration networks have the potential to act as a valid surveillance instrument of frequently occurring diseases. We compare general practice based computerized data assessing the frequency of influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) with data from a well established case-specific sentinel network, the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). The overall frequency and trends of weekly ILI and ARI data are compared using both networks.

Results: Detection of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness occurs equally fast in EISS and the computerized network. The overall frequency data for ARI are the same for both networks, the overall trends are similar, but the increases and decreases in frequency do not occur in exactly the same weeks. For ILI, the overall rate was slightly higher for the computerized network population, especially before the increase of ILI, the overall trend was almost identical and the increases and decreases occur in the same weeks for both networks.

Conclusions: Computerized morbidity registration networks are a valid tool for monitoring frequent occurring respiratory diseases and the detection of sudden outbreaks.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
ILI data from EISS (black) and Intego data (grey) from influenza season 1999-2000 to 2002-2003. The percentage of ILI compared to all consultations is presented with a marker and refers to the right axis, which is presented in reverse order. The absolute number of ILI is presented without marker and refers to the left axis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
ARI data from EISS (black) and Intego data (grey) from influenza season 1999-2000 to 2002-2003. The percentage of ARI compared to all consultations is presented with a marker and refers to the right axis, which is presented in reverse order. The absolute number of ARI is presented without marker and refers to the left axis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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