1. Introduction to surveillance data exercise
Preben Aavitsland

2. Contents
Analyse data sets from the Norwegian Surveillance System (MSIS)
Excel pivot table functions and graphics
Present important features of the disease in PowerPoint
time trend, seasonal trend
place characteristics (place of living and place of infection)
person characteristics (age, sex, place of birth)

3. Real (but anonymised) data sets from Norway
Topics
A Campylobacteriosis in Norway 1981 – 2005
File CAMP.xls
B Shigellosis in Norway 1981 – 2005
File SHIG.xls
C Hepatitis A in Norway 1981 – 2005
File HEPA.xlx
D Malaria in Norway 1981 – 2005
File MALA.xls
E Meningococcal disease in Norway 1981 – 2005
File MENO.xls
Real (but anonymised) data sets from Norway

4. Learning objectives
Understand the structure of a surveillance database
Master the use of Excel pivot tables to analyse surveillance data
Create tables and graphs for presenting surveillance data
Analyse surveillance data by time, place and person
Present surveillance data

5. Outcome and presentation
Produce a PowerPoint presentation using template:
Title slide
Disease and setting
Surveillance system (provided)
Time trends (for example long term trends, seasonal variation)
Place characteristics (for example place of residence, place of infection)
Person characteristics (for example age and sex, place of birth)
Other features
Discussion
Conclusion

6. Database in Excel Record = one line = one disease event
Variable (or field) = one column = one charatersitic of the event
Value = content of a field
File specification = explanation of variables and values