Representative Public Health Surveys Pose Several Challenges: Lessons Learned Across Nine Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This case study demonstrates how representative community surveillance surveys can provide crucial real-time data to guide local public health responses during a pandemic.
The methods, trainings, and collaborations established serve as a model that can be scaled up and rapidly deployed to assess and mitigate the spread of disease in future public health emergencies.
Investing in such surveillance capabilities and fostering multi-sector partnerships are important for strengthening overall pandemic preparedness and response.
College of Health researcher(s)
College unit(s)
Highlights
- Surveillance surveys can provide timely information on public health threats.
- Developing strong partnerships is essential for successful surveillance.
- Public-health trained staff can address the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
Abstract
Community surveillance surveys offer an opportunity to obtain important and timely public health information that may help local municipalities guide their response to public health threats. The objective of this paper is to present approaches, challenges, and solutions from SARS-CoV-2 surveillance surveys conducted in different settings by 2 research teams. For rapid assessment of a representative sample, a 2-stage cluster sampling design was developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Oregon State University between April 2020 and June 2021 across 6 Oregon communities. In 2022, these methods were adapted for New York communities by a team of veterinary, medical, and public health practitioners. Partnerships were established with local medical facilities, health departments, COVID-19 testing sites, and health and public safety staff. Field staff were trained using online modules, field manuals describing survey methods and safety protocols, and in-person meetings with hands-on practice. Private and secure data integration systems and public awareness campaigns were implemented. Pilot surveys and field previews revealed challenges in survey processes that could be addressed before surveys proceeded. Strong leadership, robust trainings, and university–community partnerships proved critical to successful outcomes. Cultivating mutual trust and cooperation among stakeholders is essential to prepare for the next pandemic.