The intent of the National Syndromic Surveillance Program Community of Practice (NSSP CoP) is to support open and dynamic participation of any individual or organization working on or interested in increasing the quality, utility, and availability of syndromic surveillance data. The goal of this assessment was to collect feedback from members regarding the barriers and challenges to participating in the NSSP CoP activities and utilizing its related tools.
The assessment was created and distributed using the online survey administration platform SurveyMonkey®, and a total of 197 NSSP CoP members, limited to state, local, and federal NSSP CoP members, were invited to participate. The assessment closed after a two-week period (May 7 to May 21, 2018) with a response rate of 26% (52/197).
Highlights of Results
- More than 40 respondents (80%) stated that they regularly attend (at least once every quarter) the monthly NSSP CoP call, with 93% reporting that they agree or strongly agree that the call is a good use of their time. More than 75% of respondents felt that the monthly call generates new ideas for syndromic surveillance practice.
- When asked how likely they were to share the resources of the NSSP CoP with other public health professionals, more than 60% of respondents stated that they were very likely to share information about the Surveillance Knowledge Repository, including the webinars and syndromes housed in the repository, and the monthly NSSP CoP call.
- Just over 60% of respondents reported being very satisfied with their membership in the NSSP CoP. More than 88% of respondents agreed that the NSSP CoP has improved their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to conducting syndromic surveillance and almost 91% agreed that it helps them to stay current in the syndromic surveillance field.
- Almost 80% agreed or strongly agreed that membership in the NSSP CoP has helped them to build professional relationships and network with others in the syndromic surveillance community. Approximately, 75% of respondents indicated that membership in the NSSP CoP helps to build trust, rapport, and a sense of community.
The NSSP CoP has an overarching goal to harness the energy and expertise of individuals in the syndromic surveillance community to better serve their professional development and increase organizational capabilities in surveillance. This assessment demonstrates that even though there is still room to grow and improve, the NSSP CoP has made great strides towards accomplishing its goals.