Evaluation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) surveillance system, with emphasis on influenza, Brazil, 2014-2016 ^*

Abstract

Objective

to evaluate attributes of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) surveillance system in Brazil, 2014-2016.

Method

this was an evaluation study conducted according to United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Data from the Influenza Web information system notified for the period 2014-2016 were used. The simplicity, completeness, inconsistency, timeliness, acceptability, representativeness, positive predictive value (PPV) of the SARS case definition attributes and usefulness were evaluated.

Results

a simple structure was found with good completeness (100% for required variables; >95% for optional variables); low inconsistency (3.2%); lack of timeliness (68.2%); low acceptability (average of 70.4%); representative of the territory (capable of analyzing risk groups); high PPV (29.1%); useful (fulfils system objectives).

Conclusion

the attributes evaluated indicate that the system is capable of providing complete, representative and useful information about influenza, adequate for guiding national health responses.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Evaluation Study; Program Evaluation; Epidemiologic Surveillance Services