Best Practices For The Design Implementation Reporting And Analysis Of Participatory Surveillance For Influenza Like Illness

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Best practices for the design, implementation, reporting and analysis of participatory surveillance for influenza-like illness

Author : World Health Organization
Publisher : World Health Organization
ISBN 13 : 9240095039
Total Pages : 67 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (4 download)

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Book Synopsis Best practices for the design, implementation, reporting and analysis of participatory surveillance for influenza-like illness by : World Health Organization

Download or read book Best practices for the design, implementation, reporting and analysis of participatory surveillance for influenza-like illness written by World Health Organization and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2024-07-05 with total page 67 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Epidemiological information on influenza comes from multiple sources. Participatory surveillance for influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) is one approach for gathering information from the community to monitor trends in influenza, while also helping to inform other important public health issues. The approach should be considered to be complementary to other sources of influenza surveillance information. One advantage of participatory surveillance is that information comes from both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals, and from symptomatic individuals who may not initially seek health care. Information may also come from members of the population who may be underrepresented in traditional facility-based surveillance. Where participatory surveillance for influenza and ILI has been implemented experience indicates that such systems are accurate, flexible, cost-effective and robust with regard to changes in health care seeking behaviour. However, there are also a number of limitations, challenges and biases that must be taken into consideration. This WHO document provides globally applicable guidance on implementing participatory surveillance for influenza and ILI based on expert input and abundant experience from countries in which such surveillance has been implemented. The document sets out best practices for public health officials to consider, either when looking to implement a participatory surveillance system or when making changes to an existing system.

“Crafting the mosaic”: a framework for resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential

Author : World Health Organization
Publisher : World Health Organization
ISBN 13 : 9240070281
Total Pages : 96 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (4 download)

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Book Synopsis “Crafting the mosaic”: a framework for resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential by : World Health Organization

Download or read book “Crafting the mosaic”: a framework for resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential written by World Health Organization and published by World Health Organization. This book was released on 2023-04-03 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Infectious Disease Surveillance

Author : Nkuchia M. M'ikanatha
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118543521
Total Pages : 1139 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (185 download)

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Book Synopsis Infectious Disease Surveillance by : Nkuchia M. M'ikanatha

Download or read book Infectious Disease Surveillance written by Nkuchia M. M'ikanatha and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-03-11 with total page 1139 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This fully updated edition of Infectious Disease Surveillance is for frontline public health practitioners, epidemiologists, and clinical microbiologists who are engaged in communicable disease control. It is also a foundational text for trainees in public health, applied epidemiology, postgraduate medicine and nursing programs. The second edition portrays both the conceptual framework and practical aspects of infectious disease surveillance. It is a comprehensive resource designed to improve the tracking of infectious diseases and to serve as a starting point in the development of new surveillance systems. Infectious Disease Surveillance includes over 45 chapters from over 100 contributors, and topics organized into six sections based on major themes. Section One highlights the critical role surveillance plays in public health and it provides an overview of the current International Health Regulations (2005) in addition to successes and challenges in infectious disease eradication. Section Two describes surveillance systems based on logical program areas such as foodborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis healthcare and transplantation associated infections. Attention is devoted to programs for monitoring unexplained deaths, agents of bioterrorism, mass gatherings, and disease associated with international travel. Sections Three and Four explore the uses of the Internet and wireless technologies to advance infectious disease surveillance in various settings with emphasis on best practices based on deployed systems. They also address molecular laboratory methods, and statistical and geospatial analysis, and evaluation of systems for early epidemic detection. Sections Five and Six discuss legal and ethical considerations, communication strategies and applied epidemiology-training programs. The rest of the chapters offer public-private partnerships, as well lessons from the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic and future directions for infectious disease surveillance.

Emerging Viral Diseases

Author : Institute of Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309314003
Total Pages : 310 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Emerging Viral Diseases by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Emerging Viral Diseases written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-03-19 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the past half century, deadly disease outbreaks caused by novel viruses of animal origin - Nipah virus in Malaysia, Hendra virus in Australia, Hantavirus in the United States, Ebola virus in Africa, along with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), several influenza subtypes, and the SARS (sudden acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) coronaviruses - have underscored the urgency of understanding factors influencing viral disease emergence and spread. Emerging Viral Diseases is the summary of a public workshop hosted in March 2014 to examine factors driving the appearance, establishment, and spread of emerging, re-emerging and novel viral diseases; the global health and economic impacts of recently emerging and novel viral diseases in humans; and the scientific and policy approaches to improving domestic and international capacity to detect and respond to global outbreaks of infectious disease. This report is a record of the presentations and discussion of the event.

Textbook of Influenza

Author : Robert G. Webster
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 111863683X
Total Pages : 684 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (186 download)

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Book Synopsis Textbook of Influenza by : Robert G. Webster

Download or read book Textbook of Influenza written by Robert G. Webster and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-01-06 with total page 684 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Textbook of Influenza is a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of influenza, from the genetic and molecular biology of the virus through to clinical aspects of the disease and the latest drug developments and treatments. This new edition has been completely revised and reflects the integration of disciplines concerning the emergence, evolution, pathogenesis and control of influenza viruses in the field of human and veterinary public health. Textbook of Influenza examines the lessons learnt from the latest pandemic and provides the current state of knowledge for many yet unresolved issues related to virus origin, spread, pathogenesis and disease severity to better prepare for future pandemics. It covers the background to recent advances in influenza genomics and reverse genetics which have allowed the identification of virus virulence factors and the analysis and reconstruction of influenza viruses such as the 1918 Spanish flu strain. This new edition is divided into eight key sections, containing chapters co-written by international experts from both the clinical and scientific communities, covering: • Influenza Perspectives • Structure and Replication • Evolution and Ecology • Epidemiology and Surveillance • Immunology • Vaccines and Vaccine Development • Clinical Aspects and Antivirals • Public Health Textbook of Influenza is for all those working in the area of influenza including clinical and basic scientists, immunologists, molecular and structural virologists, public health officials and global pandemic control planners.

Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309137349
Total Pages : 339 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases by : National Research Council

Download or read book Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-01-24 with total page 339 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: H1N1 ("swine flu"), SARS, mad cow disease, and HIV/AIDS are a few examples of zoonotic diseases-diseases transmitted between humans and animals. Zoonotic diseases are a growing concern given multiple factors: their often novel and unpredictable nature, their ability to emerge anywhere and spread rapidly around the globe, and their major economic toll on several disparate industries. Infectious disease surveillance systems are used to detect this threat to human and animal health. By systematically collecting data on the occurrence of infectious diseases in humans and animals, investigators can track the spread of disease and provide an early warning to human and animal health officials, nationally and internationally, for follow-up and response. Unfortunately, and for many reasons, current disease surveillance has been ineffective or untimely in alerting officials to emerging zoonotic diseases. Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases assesses some of the disease surveillance systems around the world, and recommends ways to improve early detection and response. The book presents solutions for improved coordination between human and animal health sectors, and among governments and international organizations. Parties seeking to improve the detection and response to zoonotic diseases-including U.S. government and international health policy makers, researchers, epidemiologists, human health clinicians, and veterinarians-can use this book to help curtail the threat zoonotic diseases pose to economies, societies, and health.

Principles and Practice of Public Health Surveillance

Author : Steven M. Teutsch
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 13 : 0195138279
Total Pages : 422 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (951 download)

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Book Synopsis Principles and Practice of Public Health Surveillance by : Steven M. Teutsch

Download or read book Principles and Practice of Public Health Surveillance written by Steven M. Teutsch and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2000 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This text presents an organized approach to planning, developing, and implementing public health surveillance systems. It has a broad scope, discussing legal and ethical issues as well as technical problems"--Jacket cover.

A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases

Author : Institute of Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309212197
Total Pages : 200 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

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Book Synopsis A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-08-26 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chronic diseases are common and costly, yet they are also among the most preventable health problems. Comprehensive and accurate disease surveillance systems are needed to implement successful efforts which will reduce the burden of chronic diseases on the U.S. population. A number of sources of surveillance data-including population surveys, cohort studies, disease registries, administrative health data, and vital statistics-contribute critical information about chronic disease. But no central surveillance system provides the information needed to analyze how chronic disease impacts the U.S. population, to identify public health priorities, or to track the progress of preventive efforts. A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases outlines a conceptual framework for building a national chronic disease surveillance system focused primarily on cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases. This system should be capable of providing data on disparities in incidence and prevalence of the diseases by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic region, along with data on disease risk factors, clinical care delivery, and functional health outcomes. This coordinated surveillance system is needed to integrate and expand existing information across the multiple levels of decision making in order to generate actionable, timely knowledge for a range of stakeholders at the local, state or regional, and national levels. The recommendations presented in A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases focus on data collection, resource allocation, monitoring activities, and implementation. The report also recommends that systems evolve along with new knowledge about emerging risk factors, advancing technologies, and new understanding of the basis for disease. This report will inform decision-making among federal health agencies, especially the Department of Health and Human Services; public health and clinical practitioners; non-governmental organizations; and policy makers, among others.

Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309670381
Total Pages : 501 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (96 download)

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Book Synopsis Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2020-11-28 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When communities face complex public health emergencies, state local, tribal, and territorial public health agencies must make difficult decisions regarding how to effectively respond. The public health emergency preparedness and response (PHEPR) system, with its multifaceted mission to prevent, protect against, quickly respond to, and recover from public health emergencies, is inherently complex and encompasses policies, organizations, and programs. Since the events of September 11, 2001, the United States has invested billions of dollars and immeasurable amounts of human capital to develop and enhance public health emergency preparedness and infrastructure to respond to a wide range of public health threats, including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events. Despite the investments in research and the growing body of empirical literature on a range of preparedness and response capabilities and functions, there has been no national-level, comprehensive review and grading of evidence for public health emergency preparedness and response practices comparable to those utilized in medicine and other public health fields. Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response reviews the state of the evidence on PHEPR practices and the improvements necessary to move the field forward and to strengthen the PHEPR system. This publication evaluates PHEPR evidence to understand the balance of benefits and harms of PHEPR practices, with a focus on four main areas of PHEPR: engagement with and training of community-based partners to improve the outcomes of at-risk populations after public health emergencies; activation of a public health emergency operations center; communication of public health alerts and guidance to technical audiences during a public health emergency; and implementation of quarantine to reduce the spread of contagious illness.

The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual

Author : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 0190933690
Total Pages : 529 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (99 download)

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Book Synopsis The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual by : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)

Download or read book The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual written by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A NEW AND ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR THE PRACTICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual is a definitive guide to investigating acute public health events on the ground and in real time. Assembled and written by experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other leading public health agencies, it offers current and field-tested guidance for every stage of an outbreak investigation -- from identification to intervention and other core considerations along the way. Modeled after Michael Gregg's seminal book Field Epidemiology, this CDC manual ushers investigators through the core elements of field work, including many of the challenges inherent to outbreaks: working with multiple state and federal agencies or multinational organizations; legal considerations; and effective utilization of an incident-management approach. Additional coverage includes: � Updated guidance for new tools in field investigations, including the latest technologies for data collection and incorporating data from geographic information systems (GIS) � Tips for investigations in unique settings, including healthcare and community-congregate sites � Advice for responding to different types of outbreaks, including acute enteric disease; suspected biologic or toxic agents; and outbreaks of violence, suicide, and other forms of injury For the ever-changing public health landscape, The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual offers a new, authoritative resource for effective outbreak response to acute and emerging threats. *** Oxford University Press will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit and the sole entity created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's critical health protection work. To learn more about the CDC Foundation, visit www.cdcfoundation.org.

Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309459575
Total Pages : 483 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-09-28 with total page 483 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drug overdose, driven largely by overdose related to the use of opioids, is now the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. The ongoing opioid crisis lies at the intersection of two public health challenges: reducing the burden of suffering from pain and containing the rising toll of the harms that can arise from the use of opioid medications. Chronic pain and opioid use disorder both represent complex human conditions affecting millions of Americans and causing untold disability and loss of function. In the context of the growing opioid problem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an Opioids Action Plan in early 2016. As part of this plan, the FDA asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to convene a committee to update the state of the science on pain research, care, and education and to identify actions the FDA and others can take to respond to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on informing FDA's development of a formal method for incorporating individual and societal considerations into its risk-benefit framework for opioid approval and monitoring.

Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances

Author : National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781864965223
Total Pages : 33 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (652 download)

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Book Synopsis Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances by : National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia)

Download or read book Caring for People who Sniff Petrol Or Other Volatile Substances written by National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: These guidelines provide recommendations that outline the critical aspects of infection prevention and control. The recommendations were developed using the best available evidence and consensus methods by the Infection Control Steering Committee. They have been prioritised as key areas to prevent and control infection in a healthcare facility. It is recognised that the level of risk may differ according to the different types of facility and therefore some recommendations should be justified by risk assessment. When implementing these recommendations all healthcare facilities need to consider the risk of transmission of infection and implement according to their specific setting and circumstances.

Public Health Administration: Principles for Population-Based Management

Author : Lloyd F. Novick
Publisher : Jones & Bartlett Publishers
ISBN 13 : 1449662722
Total Pages : 821 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (496 download)

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Book Synopsis Public Health Administration: Principles for Population-Based Management by : Lloyd F. Novick

Download or read book Public Health Administration: Principles for Population-Based Management written by Lloyd F. Novick and published by Jones & Bartlett Publishers. This book was released on 2008-03-03 with total page 821 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New Edition Available 8/15/2013 This shorter, more user-friendly edition of Public Health Administration: Principles for Population-Based Management will provide your students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and skills essential to successful public health administration. The second edition has been thoroughly revised and includes new information on the Healthy People 2010 objectives as well as two new chapters on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness; and public health systems research. The chapter on public health law has been thoroughly revised by the nation’s top public health law expert. Other updates include coverage of the most recent reports issued by the Institute of Medicine as well as analysis on the relationships between public health and the healthcare services with a particular focus on the uninsured.

Perspectives on the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System

Author : Institute of Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309170397
Total Pages : 214 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Perspectives on the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Perspectives on the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-10-30 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Perspectives on the Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System: A Program Review describes the capacity, quality, and effectiveness of the international and domestic facilities and programs that are a part of a DoD system to monitor and address emerging infectious diseases globally. The committee concludes that the goals of the system are in U.S. military, U.S. civilian, and global public health interests and that substantial progress has been made toward achieving system goals.

What You Need to Know about Infectious Disease

Author : Madeline Drexler
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis What You Need to Know about Infectious Disease by : Madeline Drexler

Download or read book What You Need to Know about Infectious Disease written by Madeline Drexler and published by . This book was released on with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level

Author : World Health Organization
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9789241549929
Total Pages : 92 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (499 download)

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Book Synopsis Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level by : World Health Organization

Download or read book Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level written by World Health Organization and published by . This book was released on 2017-01-31 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Health care-associated infections (HAI) are one of the most common adverse events in care delivery and a major public health problem with an impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. At any one time, up to 7% of patients in developed and 10% in developing countries will acquire at least one HAI. These infections also present a significant economic burden at the societal level. However, a large percentage are preventable through effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. These new guidelines on the core components of IPC programmes at the national and facility level will enhance the capacity of Member States to develop and implement effective technical and behaviour modifying interventions. They form a key part of WHO strategies to prevent current and future threats from infectious diseases such as Ebola, strengthen health service resilience, help combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve the overall quality of health care delivery. They are also intended to support countries in the development of their own national protocols for IPC and AMR action plans and to support health care facilities as they develop or strengthen their own approaches to IPC. These are the first international evidence-based guidelines on the core components of IPC programmes. These new WHO guidelines are applicable for any country and suitable to local adaptations, and take account of the strength of available scientific evidence, the cost and resource implications, and patient values and preferences.

Design and Implementation of Health Information Systems

Author : World Health Organization Staff
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9789241561990
Total Pages : 270 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (619 download)

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Book Synopsis Design and Implementation of Health Information Systems by : World Health Organization Staff

Download or read book Design and Implementation of Health Information Systems written by World Health Organization Staff and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a practical guide to the design and implementation of health information systems in developing countries. Noting that most existing systems fail to deliver timely, reliable, and relevant information, the book responds to the urgent need to restructure systems and make them work as both a resource for routine decisions and a powerful tool for improving health services. With this need in mind, the authors draw on their extensive personal experiences to map out strategies, pinpoint common pitfalls, and guide readers through a host of conceptual and technical options. Information needs at all levels - from patient care to management of the national health system - are considered in this comprehensive guide. Recommended lines of action are specific to conditions seen in government-managed health systems in the developing world. In view of common constraints on time and resources, the book concentrates on strategies that do not require large resources, highly trained staff, or complex equipment. Throughout the book, case studies and numerous practical examples are used to explore problems and illustrate solutions. Details range from a list of weaknesses that plague most existing systems, through advice on when to introduce computers and how to choose appropriate software and hardware, to the hotly debated question of whether patient records should be kept by the patient or filed at the health unit. The book has fourteen chapters presented in four parts. Chapters in the first part, on information for decision-making, explain the potential role of health information as a managerial tool, consider the reasons why this potential is rarely realized, and propose general approaches for reform which have proved successful in several developing countries. Presentation of a six-step procedure for restructuring information systems, closely linked to an organizational model of health services, is followed by a practical discussion of the decision-making process. Reasons for the failure of most health information to influence decisions are also critically assessed. Against this background, the second and most extensive part provides a step-by-step guide to the restructuring of information systems aimed at improving the quality and relevance of data and ensuring their better use in planning and management. Steps covered include the identification of information needs and indicators, assessment of the existing system, and the collection of both routine and non-routine data using recommended procedures and instruments. Chapters also offer advice on procedures for data transmission and processing, and discuss the requirements of systems designed to collect population-based community information. Resource needs and technical tools are addressed in part three. A comprehensive overview of the resource base - from staff and training to the purchase and maintenance of equipment - is followed by chapters offering advice on the introduction of computerized systems in developing countries, and explaining the many applications of geographic information systems. Practical advice on how to restructure a health information system is provided in the final part, which considers how different interest groups can influence the design and implementation of a new system, and proposes various design options for overcoming specific problems. Experiences from several developing countries are used to illustrate strategies and designs in terms of those almost certain to fail and those that have the greatest chances of success