Elsevier

Public Health

Volume 130, January 2016, Pages 72-77
Public Health

Original Research
Measuring laboratory-based influenza surveillance capacity: development of the ‘International Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review’ Tool

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2015.09.007Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Highlights

  • The International Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review (Tool) was developed to assess laboratory capacity.

  • A quantitative framework for analysis was applied to the Tool to allow for comparison of data over time.

  • The Tool provides a standardized method for determining strengths and generating recommendations for improvement.

  • The Tool contributes to International Health Regulations core capacities such as biosafety and laboratory management.

  • Development process could be used as a model for other public health program areas seeking to strengthen systems capacity.

Abstract

Objectives

The 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) emphasized the importance of laboratory capacity to detect emerging diseases including novel influenza viruses. To support IHR 2005 requirements and the need to enhance influenza laboratory surveillance capacity, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Division developed the International Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review (Tool).

Study design

Data from 37 assessments were reviewed and analyzed to verify that the quantitative analysis results accurately depicted a laboratory's capacity and capabilities.

Methods

Subject matter experts in influenza and laboratory practice used an iterative approach to develop the Tool incorporating feedback and lessons learnt through piloting and implementation. To systematically analyze assessment data, a quantitative framework for analysis was added to the Tool.

Results

The review indicated that changes in scores consistently reflected enhanced or decreased capacity. The review process also validated the utility of adding a quantitative analysis component to the assessments and the benefit of establishing a baseline from which to compare future assessments in a standardized way.

Conclusions

Use of the Tool has provided APHL, CDC and each assessed laboratory with a standardized analysis of the laboratory's capacity. The information generated is used to improve laboratory systems for laboratory testing and enhance influenza surveillance globally. We describe the development of the Tool and lessons learnt.

Keywords

Influenza
Capacity building
Tool
Quantitative analysis
Assessment

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