The HEDSS system was implemented in 2004 to monitor disease activity [1]. Twenty of 32 emergency departments (ED) and 1 urgent care clinic provide data. Chief complaints are routinely categorized into 8 syndromes. Although previous studies have shown that ED syndomic surveillance is not useful for early detection of GI outbreaks [2], it has demonstrated utility in monitoring trends in seasonal norovirus activity[3]. An evaluation to assess the utility of HEDSS to characterize endemic and out-break levels of GI illness has not been previously conducted in Connecticut.
Objective
To evaluate the utility of the Connecticut Hospital Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System (HEDSS) to monitor gastrointestinal (GI) illness in the community.