Syndromic surveillance

Syndromic surveillance systems monitor pre-diagnostic data to identify trends that may signal disease outbreaks caused by bioterrorist attacks. Education and careful preparation must be used to ensure that syndromic surveillance employees communicate effectively with colleagues in other areas. Public health departments need surveillance systems that are strategically integrated with existing public health infrastructure. The development of regional health information organizations and the increasing feasibility of secure, standards-based, electronic health information exchange offer the possibility of real-time syndromic surveillance and response through linkages to electronic health records.