NSSP Update – July 2023
A Technical Newsletter for the NSSP Community of Practice | July 2023
The National Syndromic Surveillance Program issues NSSP Update monthly to share the latest Community of Practice activities, technical and program updates, and ways in which syndromic surveillance is improving public health.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
Complementary data sources—including NSSP’s emergency department
data—supplement an Assessment of Chemical Exposures survey.
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE UPDATES
Plans are underway to highlight even more member projects and challenges. And if you’re new to NSSP, please join our new-member orientation.
TECHNICAL UPDATES/ANALYTIC TOOL
NSSP Releases the pynssp Python Package
Python programmers have reason to celebrate! The pynssp Python package is an alternative to the widely used Rnssp R package. The pynssp package has all the functionality provided by Rnssp but is coded for Python users.
DATA QUALITY CORNER
How the BioSense Platform Processing Creates a Unique Visit Identifier
By using three calculated fields, the BioSense Platform ensures a unique visit identifier across all messages for each patient visit.
TECHNICAL TIPS AND TRAINING
Tips for Using Free-Text Queries to Improve ESSENCE Search Criteria
Here’s how free-text queries work when some fields are BLANK and others NULL.
TECHNICAL UPDATES/ONBOARDING
Data Validation Calls Provide Forum to Ask Questions and Share Tips
Every two months the onboarding team responds to your questions about data quality and facility onboarding. Here are the latest tips and resources.
NSSP WEBSITE
New to Syndromic Surveillance?
For new site admins, we have a job aid for easing into your new role. New staff? Read “Tips for Engaging Staff.” New to NSSP? Check out these resources to learn about syndromic surveillance, especially the new training series titled Introduction to Syndromic Surveillance Methodology.
NSSP FACILITY PARTICIPATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check Out the Updated Laboratory Data FAQs
We explain NSSP’s agreement with a national lab, data flow and frequency, health conditions covered, specimen identifiers, and more.
Monthly National-level Free-text ESSENCE Queries
Analysts can exercise a high level of customization by using free-text queries. They can quickly code free-text queries and rapidly respond to outbreaks, disasters, and health events that unfold. These word clouds capture free-text queries from a national perspective.
Developing Syndrome Definitions
NSSP works with health departments, CDC programs, and others to develop and improve syndrome definitions. Here is a list of the syndromes being worked on now.
Mark Your Calendar
