Risk-based surveillance

In general, the objectives of veterinary risk-based surveillance (RBS) have been defined as the identification of surveillance needs to protect the health of livestock, to set priorities, and to allocate resources effectively and efficiently (Stark et al, 2006). In addition, the purpose of RBS is to ensure that limited resources are used to best effect (Stark et al., 2006). 

STARK K.D. REGULA G. HERNANDEZ J. KNOPF L. FUCHS K. MORRIS R.S. and DAVIES P. (2006), Concepts for risk-based surveillance in the field of veterinary medicine and veterinary public health review of current approaches. BMC Health Services Research 6,20. 

Obesity is among the most common diseases facing physicians. It is a major cause of premature mortality, with enormous economic impact on om society. A recent study estimated the annual cost of obesity in the U.S. as 93 bilhon per year, or 9.1% of all healthcare dollars, of which about half is paid by federal dollars. As frightening as these numbers are, they are based on 1998 data on the prevalence of obesity, and recent studies have indicated that the obesity epidemic has continued unabated, and the percent of adults with BMI >30 kg/m has increased from 18.3% to 22.5% in the 4 years from 1998 to 2002 (CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). 

The third component of the FDA CDER is the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology. This group is responsible for ongoing reviews of product safety, efficacy, and quality. It accomplishes this goal by performing statistical analysis of adverse event data it receives to determine whether there is a safety problem. This office reassesses risks based on new data learned after a drug is marketed and recommends... 

Risk-based systems are in place for medical support, including first aid, medical advice and treatment, medical evacuation, medical assessment and health surveillance, and rehabilitation and health promotion ... 

A prioritization may be required to manage effectively safety control programs. Thus a structured industrial area is suitable to experiment a risk based approach in inspection and surveillance program. It could enable safety authorities to concentrate resources on establishments at a higher risk level, thus reducing efforts... 

Risk-based enforcement, using both police officer surveillance and automated camera technologies to achieve intense enforcement in the belief that behaviour change via specific deterrence would achieve knowledge and attitude change—a strategy that flies in the face of popular belief and is intensely unpopular. 

Health records must be kept of the health surveillance caiTied out for at least 40 years after the last entry. Appropriate action should be taken based upon the results, i.e. it should be established how and when workers should be referred for further examination and how the results will be used to improve the management of health risks. 

Demonstrate readiness to apply professional skills to a range of emergency situations during regular drills (e.g., access, use, and interpret surveillance data access and use lab resources access and use science-based investigation and risk assessment protocols identify and use appropriate personal protective equipment). 

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