Introduction to the EpiCore Online Platform How YOU can get involved in innovative surveillance using the EpiCore network.

Learning Objectives By the end of this module, you should:  Recognize the importance of the EpiCore portal  Feel comfortable using EpiCore software, including responding to requests for information (RFI)  Be excited about participating in the innovative surveillance community!

Core Competencies for public health practice 1. Identify key sources of data for epidemiological purposes. (ASPPH) 2. Use information technology to assess, evaluate, and interpret public health data. (ASPPH) 3. Identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including community assets and resources. (PHAC) 4. Demonstrate the ability to pursue lifelong learning opportunities in the field of public health. (PHAC) This module is designed to address the following competencies:

 EpiCore is a participatory innovative online surveillance platform and initiative directed at facilitating communication about a potential infectious disease outbreak between public health disease/outbreak surveillance professionals and epidemiologists on the ground, in the area of the rumored outbreak. EpiCore

EpiCore Partners Epicore is a collaborative initiative developed by:  HealthMap  ProMED  TEPHINET  Skoll Global Threats Fund

EpiCore, Innovative Surveillance, and YOU!  The EpiCore Project allows health professionals (like you!), to play an important role in validating disease information and reducing time to disease detection.

How EpiCore Works  How the EpiCore platform works: 1. Trained EpiCore moderators will submit requests for information (RFIs) to the platform 2. These RFIs will then be directed to a select group of EpiCore trained health professional volunteers (you) in the area of a possible or suspected event. 3. EpiCore volunteers submit responses through the EpiCore platform. 4. From there, an EpiCore moderator helps to validate the information.  During the first phase of EpiCore, ProMED will be sending all of the RFIs, but as the project progresses, additional organizations will be brought on to submit RFIs. 1) 2) 4) 3)

EpiCore Flow 2. Creates RFI 3. Sends RFI to EpiCore Volunteers 4. EpiCore volunteer responds to RFI 5. Validation information shared 1. EpiCore moderator needs more info

Request for Information (RFI): Intro  Requests for information (RFIs) will arrive in your inbox and might look something like this:

Requests for Information: What to include? Person: Demographics (age, gender, etc) Case numbers Fatalities Lab Results Diagnosis Pathogen Supporting Information Person: Demographics (age, gender, etc) Case numbers Fatalities Lab Results Diagnosis Pathogen Supporting Information Place Location of patient(s) Location of transmission Place Location of patient(s) Location of transmission Time Date of occurrence. Date(s) of onset. Time Date of occurrence. Date(s) of onset.

Where can I gather information for RFIs?

Responding to a Request for Information

Responding to a Request for Information: Pro tips Even SOME information is more helpful than no information at all. Responding to RFIs in a timely manner can help to identify potential outbreaks early, and might save lives!

Responding to a Request for Information: Security

How to use the EpiCore software platform  Using EpiCore is as easy as responding to .  The EpiCore online platform is used to respond to Requests for Information (RFI).  It provides the means of communication between the field health professionals (You!), and the EpiCore moderators

How to use EpiCore: Step 1 Click the link

How to use EpiCore: Step 2 Click “Continue to EpiCore”

Using EpiCore: Step 3 Click “Yes”

Using EpiCore: Step 4 Type response here

Using EpiCore: Step 5

Using EpiCore: Step 6 Click “Submit”

Using EpiCore: Other Features Click “Review” at any time to see RFIs awaiting your review

 Despite challenges, innovative surveillance approaches continue to demonstrate an ever-increasing potential to help us detect outbreaks faster and with greater sensitivity.  Platforms like EpiCore need the participation of human and animal health professionals on the ground to validate informal surveillance data and to harness the full potential of innovative surveillance systems.

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