Besides the data coming from analyses of the sample/data collected as the main goal of this surveillance activity, is there other information that needs to be collected in order to enable epidemiological analyses (for instance population information needed to assess representativeness)? Details should be described, such as:

• the nature of the data – variables required & format eg electronic, paper records
• who collects it and from where
• How will it be stored and merged with the main surveillance data, etc

Who will be responsible for performing the analysis and the epidemiological team supporting the surveillance component? Level of expertise and skills should be considered.

What kind of analyses are needed and what kind of outputs are expected? This may range from a single judgement about further investigation in the case of a notifiable disease or complex statistical analysis to estimate prevalence (including methods to adjust prevalence estimates to take into account test imperfections or from data obtained using risk based approaches) or evaluate evidence for freedom from disease. If necessary, the surveillance designers should consult a statistician for advice about the most appropriate methods.

What is the frequency of epidemiological analysis, bearing in mind the surveillance goal? For instance:

• As soon as received (immediate/real-time).
• In a fixed schedule eg weekly, monthly.
• In batches after a certain number of samples is reached.

It should be considered whether whether epidemiological training is needed (who, when, how, etc).

What are the expected data management needs? Do current data management capabilities attend those? Are new data entry forms required or adaptations to current database.

What are the expected software needs? Do current software capabilities attend those? Details to consider include for example:

• Data storage (database or similar requirements)
• Epidemiological analysis
• Reporting