Biosurveillance: Role of Healthcare Organizations

The Biosense evaluation project has involved detailed surveys of local and state public health organizations and healthcare organizations. The workflow of these various organizations differ both by their cultures and by the type of organization evaluated. We developed two surveys; one for public health authorities and one for healthcare organizations. These have been administered in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana. The findings from these studies provide insight into the requirements for a biosurveillance system and the costs associated with implementing and using a biosurveillance system. Healthcare organizations and public health authorities have different interests in biosurveillance and different responsibilities in completing the communication. Rapid development of solutions that meet the needs of State, and Local Public Health authorities in addition to the CDC and Healthcare organizations, has the potential to decrease redundant work, improve our infection control and make healthcare organizations more immediately aware of cases outside of their network but inside of their region. If we are going to produce a functional public health grid that can provide early warning of emerging infectious diseases (e.g. Avian Influenza) or of a bioterrorist attack we need to understand the requirements and responsibilities of healthcare entities as we work together to keep our population safe and healthy.