Intelligent data acquisition strategies for epidemiological investigations of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological investigation scenario patterns of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks and design intelligent data collection strategies for different epidemiological investigation data collection objectives. MethodsWe systematically reviewed and sorted the occurrence scenarios of typical respiratory infectious disease outbreaks in China. Using literature research, focus group interviews, and expert consultations, we summarized the structural and characteristic patterns of epidemiological investigation scenarios for respiratory infectious diseases. Combined with currently used intelligent data collection technologies and tools, we designed intelligent data collection strategies for epidemiological investigations of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks, established intelligent data collection modules for epidemiological investigations, and analyzed and organized the specific collection content and modes of each module. ResultsEpidemiological investigation scenario patterns of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks include case-based epidemiological investigations and epidemiological investigations of affected sites. Intelligent collection strategies were determined based on the data collection objectives of the epidemiological investigations, including detailed and precise case-based epidemiological investigation data collection for a small number of specific high-risk populations, simple and rapid case-based epidemiological investigation data collection for a large number of unknown risk populations, and epidemiological investigation data collection for affected sites. Seven intelligent data collection modules for epidemiological investigations were established, and a total of 1 012 epidemiological investigation collection variables were organized. ConclusionsBased on the transmission scenarios of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks and the data collection objectives of epidemiological investigations under different transmission scenarios, this study proposes targeted intelligent data collection strategies for epidemiological investigations of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks, establishes intelligent collection modules, and determines the collection content and modes, laying the foundation for the design and development of intelligent epidemiological investigation systems.