Electronic Tracking of Influenza-like Illness Incidence in an Outpatient Population

Using an electronic health record (EHR) system, we tracked an outpatient population from a series of primary care providers to identify influenza-like illness (ILI) as part of a multi-state effort directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From these patients, we also collected de-identified project-specific information and symptoms using an electronic template to evaluate possible differences among patient groupings as well as longitudinal population patterns.

Objective

Evaluate the use of an EHR network to track ILI incidence in an outpatient population and using laboratory testing, identify influenza cases by subtype as well as other respiratory viruses.