Automated laboratory reporting of infectious diseases in a climate of bioterrorism.
While newly available electronic transmission methods can increase timeliness and completeness of infectious disease reports, limitations of this technology may unintentionally compromise detection of, and response to, bioterrorism and other outbreaks. We reviewed implementation experiences for five electronic laboratory systems and identified problems with data transmission, sensitivity, specificity, and user interpretation. The results suggest a need for backup transmission methods, validation, standards, preserving human judgment in the process, and provider and end-user involvement. As illustrated, challenges encountered in deployment of existing electronic laboratory reporting systems could guide further refinement and advances in infectious disease surveillance.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Population Surveillance
- Microbiology
- Humans
- Electronic Data Processing
- Disease Outbreaks
- Communicable Diseases
- Clinical Laboratory Information Systems
- Bioterrorism
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
- 1108 Medical Microbiology
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Population Surveillance
- Microbiology
- Humans
- Electronic Data Processing
- Disease Outbreaks
- Communicable Diseases
- Clinical Laboratory Information Systems
- Bioterrorism
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
- 1108 Medical Microbiology