Development and refinement of new statistical methods for enhanced syndromic surveillance during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Health Informatics J. 2015 Jun;21(2):159-69. doi: 10.1177/1460458213517577. Epub 2014 Jan 16.

Abstract

Prior to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, new statistical methods had to be developed for the enhanced syndromic surveillance during the Games. Different methods were developed depending on whether or not historical data were available. Practical solutions were needed to cope with the required daily reporting and data quality issues. During the Games, nearly 4800 signals were tested on average each day, generating statistical alarms that were assessed to provide information on areas of potential public health concern and reassurance that no major adverse incident had occurred.

Graphical abstract: spjhi;21/2/159/FIG41460458213517577 F1 fig4-1460458213517577.

Keywords: Epidemiology; mass gathering; syndromic surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • London
  • Public Health Surveillance / methods*
  • Sports Medicine / methods
  • Sports Medicine / statistics & numerical data*
  • Syndrome*