Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance ... - PHRplus

6.2.2 Information summary sheetsAn information summary sheet is a “report” that presents data and its interpretation in a table or othergraphic format. It is particularly useful as back-up to a verbal presentation. The summary sheet can be a simpletable that shows how the data reported for this period differ from the data reported for some other period ortarget population: For example, show the number of cases of diarrhoea with dehydration in children less than 5years of age from a given period last year. Compare this with data for the corresponding period this year, forexample, after a water vessel project was implemented in a high-risk area.Share information summary sheets with other surveillance entities, and use them to support requests madeto higher levels for additional funds, supplies and other resources.6.2.3 Public health bulletinThe purpose of a public health bulletin is to present facts in a limited format and time frame.In Ghana, the National Surveillance Unit produces a weekly bulletin. Some regions produce a monthlybulletin. Similarly, other national vertical programmes produce disease-specific newsletters, such as the one bythe Guinea Worm Eradication Programme. The bulletins are usually brief, from two to eight pages.The bulletin should contain at least:A summary table showing the number of reported cases and deaths to date for the epidemic-pronediseasesA brief, reader-friendly summary, commentary or message on surveillance of a given prioritydisease or other topic, such as health facility, sub-district or district performanceA map showing geographical distribution of priority diseasesData reported from lower levels during the period. This will act as feedback, enabling units at thesame level to compare their data with that of each other, and trigger correction of inaccurate dataAlert messages on epidemic-prone diseasesIf a national public health bulletin is sent to the district office, display it where others can see it. Makecopies to distribute to health facility staff. Take copies of the bulletin on supervisory visits to show health staffhow the data they report contributes to public health.All levels are to produce a monthly bulletin covering the priority conditions and any other diseases relevantto the local area. The national level will continue to produce weekly and monthly bulletins on all the prioritydiseases.6.2.4 District newsletterThe target audience for a newsletter is health staff in the district as well as other collaborators. Thenewsletter can be used to inform and motivate these health workers.Section 6: Provide Feedback67