Sample size and spatial cluster detection power

Prior work demonstrates the extent to which sampling strategies reduce the power to detect clusters.1 Additionally, the power to detect clusters can vary across space.2 A third, unexplored, effect is how much the sample size impacts the power of spatial cluster detection methods. This research examines this effect.

Objective

In syndromic surveillance settings, the use of samples may be unavoidable, as when only a part of the population reports flu-like symptoms to their physician. Taking samples from a complete population weakens the power of spatial cluster detection methods.1 This research examines the effectiveness of different sampling strategies and sample sizes on the power of cluster detection methods.