METHODS: Reportable disease data were extracted from the primary reportable disease surveillance system (NBS) in CSV (comma separated values) format and transferred to ESSENCE by secure file transfer protocol using a daily, scheduled SAS program. MyESSENCE was used to build a situational awareness dashboard for HCV surveillance staff. These dashboards were developed to display reports statewide and in the 24 eastern counties of the state where HCV prevalence is highest. The HCV dashboard included daily and weekly temporal cluster analyses using traditional algorithms for aberration detection, spatial cluster analysis using zip code, and a line list of open investigations. The HCV dashboard facilitated simple record-level investigation of cases or clusters and allowed for the rapid quantification of demographic variables in detected clusters.
RESULTS: Situational awareness dashboards allowed for timely and responsive monitoring of acute HCV temporal and spatial trends—functionality not available in NBS. Visualizations and basic demographics were accessible in one application and ESSENCE options allowed real-time sharing of information with public health staff throughout TDH. ESSENCE’s ability to investigate aberrations allowed staff to easily describe clusters of cases and quickly determine if additional follow up was warranted. Since its implementation in September 2015, 4 aberrations (9 patients) were detected and investigated. None required additional response.
CONCLUSIONS: ESSENCE allows simple visualization of disease trends and facilitated the implementation and standardization of statewide monitoring of HCV infections locations. ESSENCE has been a valuable tool in providing TDH with fast, visual intelligence. The sharing functions in ESSENCE allow TDH to rapidly unify how these data are visualized and analyzed at both the state and local level.