Abstract
Objectives: To assess emergency department (ED) clinicians' perceptions of a novel real-time influenza surveillance system using a pre- and post-implementation structured survey.Methods: We created and implemented a laboratory-based real-time influenza surveillance system at two EDs at the beginning of the 2013-2014 influenza season. Patients with acute respiratory illness were tested for influenza using rapid PCR-based Cepheid Xpert Flu assay. Results were instantaneously uploaded to a cloud-based data aggregation system made available to clinicians via a web-based dashboard. Clinicians received bimonthly email updates summating year-to-date results. Clinicians were surveyed prior to, and after the influenza season, to assess their views regarding acceptability and utility of the surveillance system data which were shared via dashboard and email updates.Results: The pre-implementation survey revealed that the majority (82%) of the 151 ED clinicians responded that they “sporadically” or “don't,” actively seek influenza-related information during the season. However, most (75%) reported that they would find additional information regarding influenza prevalence useful. Following implementation, there was an overall increase in the frequency of clinician self-reporting increased access to surveillance information from 50 to 63%, with the majority (75%) indicating that the surveillance emails impacted their general awareness of influenza. Clinicians reported that the additional real-time surveillance data impacted their testing (65%) and treatment (51%) practices.Conclusions: The majority of ED clinicians found surveillance data useful and indicated the additional information impacted their clinical practice. Accurate and timely surveillance information, distributed in a provider-friendly format could impact ED clinician management of patients with suspected influenza.
Highlights
Seasonal and pandemic influenza result in up to 960,000 hospitalizations and 80,000 deaths annually in the U.S [1]
We describe findings from a pre- and post-implementation survey of Emergency departments (EDs) clinicians assessing their perceptions of this influenza system
151 (76%) of 198 ED clinicians participated in the baseline survey
Summary
Seasonal and pandemic influenza result in up to 960,000 hospitalizations and 80,000 deaths annually in the U.S [1]. Emergency departments (EDs) are one of the most frequent points of entry for initial diagnosis and management of patients with suspected influenza [2], serving as key sentinel surveillance sites [3, 4]. Traditional approaches for gathering and distributing surveillance information have relied on collection of data from sentinel sites including EDs, collating and sharing that information via local, regional or national data systems. Communication and delivery methods of sharing surveillance information from local, regional or national public health agencies with frontline clinicians have been challenging, especially during public health emergencies. Eliminating gaps might add value for front-line ED clinicians, with potential utility to inform clinical decisions in the face of seasonal or pandemic influenza
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
