Epidemiological monitoring: methods for analysing routinely-collected data

Abstract

Morbidity and mortality statistics are routinely collected in many countries. These data may be arranged in a number of ways, for example, classified by area of residence, or occupation of the person concerned, or by the time-period during which the relevant event occurred. Judicious use of such data enables disease to be monitored and may draw attention to the adverse effects of harmful agents in the environment. This paper describes the different methods of analysing data for such purposes, giving examples of their application and discussing their relative merits. Particular reference is made to the data-collecting systems in England and Wales and to the statistical aspects of monitoring disease.