10.1 Overview of core indicators to monitor quality of surveillance

Mick Mulders

A set of eight core indicators to monitor the quality of surveillance blend both field and laboratory activities. The evaluation of these indicators is intended to demonstrate whether adequate surveillance activities are implemented and documented for verification purposes.

It is expected that the operation of the routine surveillance system provides accurate and timely data based on pre-established performance indicators. However, demonstration of high-quality epidemiological and laboratory data is required to allow a meaningful assessment of progress towards elimination.

Indicators of the quality of field and laboratory surveillance

1. TIMELINESS OF REPORTING

  • Proportion of surveillance units reporting to the national level on time (target: ≥80%)
  • Proportion of countries reporting to their WHO Regional Office on time (target: 100%)
  • Proportion of Regions reporting to WHO Headquarters on time (target: 100%)

2. REPORTING RATE OF DISCARDED NON-MEASLES NON-RUBELLA CASES

  • Reporting rate of discarded non-measles non-rubella cases at the national level (target: ≥2 cases per 100 000 population per year)

3. REPRESENTATIVENESS OF REPORTING

  • Proportion of subnational administrative units (e.g. at the province level or its administrative equivalent) reporting at least 2 discarded non-measles non-rubella cases per 100 000 population per year (target: ≥80%)

4. LABORATORY CONFIRMATION

  • Proportion of suspected cases with adequate specimens for detecting acute measles or rubella infection collected and tested in a proficient laboratory (target: ≥80%)

5. VIRAL DETECTION

  • Proportion of laboratory-confirmed chains of transmission with samples adequate for detecting measles or rubella virus collected and tested in an accredited laboratory (target: ≥80%)

6. ADEQUACY OF INVESTIGATION

  • Proportion of all suspected measles and rubella cases that have had an adequate investigation initiated within 48 hours of notification (target: ≥80%)

7. TIMELINESS OF SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

  • Proportion of specimens received at the laboratory within 5 days of collection (target: ≥80%)

8. TIMELINESS OF REPORTING LABORATORY RESULTS

  • Proportion of results reported by the laboratory within 4 days of specimen receipt (target: ≥80%)