Data-driven infectious disease control: exploring professionals’ attitudes, barriers and needs

Abstract Background Data-driven strategies are increasingly integrated into infectious disease control, yet their implementation requires alignment with professionals needs. Little is known about infectious disease control professionals’ views on data-driven work. This study aims to assess infectious disease control professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards working data-driven, as well as their needs, facilitators and barriers. Methods Explorative online focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with infectious disease control professionals of the Dutch public health services (PHS). FGDs were held in homogeneous groups by profession, followed by a final heterogeneous discussion (consisting of public health physicians, public health nurses, epidemiologists and managers). The topic guide was based on the ASE-model and CFIR framework, complemented with questions on current knowledge and practices within the PHS related to data-driven work. Framework and thematic analysis was performed. Results Nine FGDs with 36 infectious disease control professionals were held between September 2024-January 2025. Most participants expressed the intention to work data-driven. Attitudes varied regarding the concept of data-driven work, its application in daily practice, importance of data interpretation by professionals, its results, its implementation and added value. Social influence was highlighted as important for implementation, particularly interdisciplinary collaboration and the distribution of roles and responsibilities. Participants also identified various facilitators, barriers, and needs at both the process and organizational level, such as (un)supportive management and (in)sufficient data. Conclusions While infectious disease control professionals express a clear intention to work data-driven, adoption is influenced by complex attitudes, social dynamics, and barriers. By providing guidance and clarifying roles in data-driven work, adoption can be successfully embedded. Key messages • Infectious disease control professionals have the intention to work data-driven, however, social dynamics and barriers influence its adoption. • To embed data-driven work, professionals need clear roles, practical guidance, and support to overcome barriers in implementation.