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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Technical advance

Developing open source, self-contained disease surveillance software applications for use in resource-limited settings

Authors: Timothy C Campbell, Charles J Hodanics, Steven M Babin, Adjoa M Poku, Richard A Wojcik, Joseph F Skora, Jacqueline S Coberly, Zarna S Mistry, Sheri H Lewis

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Emerging public health threats often originate in resource-limited countries. In recognition of this fact, the World Health Organization issued revised International Health Regulations in 2005, which call for significantly increased reporting and response capabilities for all signatory nations. Electronic biosurveillance systems can improve the timeliness of public health data collection, aid in the early detection of and response to disease outbreaks, and enhance situational awareness.

Methods

As components of its Suite for Automated Global bioSurveillance (SAGES) program, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory developed two open-source, electronic biosurveillance systems for use in resource-limited settings. OpenESSENCE provides web-based data entry, analysis, and reporting. ESSENCE Desktop Edition provides similar capabilities for settings without internet access. Both systems may be configured to collect data using locally available cell phone technologies.

Results

ESSENCE Desktop Edition has been deployed for two years in the Republic of the Philippines. Local health clinics have rapidly adopted the new technology to provide daily reporting, thus eliminating the two-to-three week data lag of the previous paper-based system.

Conclusions

OpenESSENCE and ESSENCE Desktop Edition are two open-source software products with the capability of significantly improving disease surveillance in a wide range of resource-limited settings. These products, and other emerging surveillance technologies, can assist resource-limited countries compliance with the revised International Health Regulations.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Developing open source, self-contained disease surveillance software applications for use in resource-limited settings
Authors
Timothy C Campbell
Charles J Hodanics
Steven M Babin
Adjoa M Poku
Richard A Wojcik
Joseph F Skora
Jacqueline S Coberly
Zarna S Mistry
Sheri H Lewis
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-12-99

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