Table 2 Approaches to evaluation identified
From: Approaches to the evaluation of outbreak detection methods
Approach | Main Feature | Main Limitation | 1999–2004 Prevalence* n (%) | 2005–2006 Prevalence** n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Simulation | Outbreak signal specified | Generalisability of findings to the authentic context | 17 (27%) | 15 (45%) |
Descriptive | No outbreak definition required | Evaluation not directly related to event of interest | 12 (19%) | 3 (9%) |
Derived | Consistent outbreak definition used | Limited number of factors used in outbreak definition | 18 (29%) | 0 (0%) |
Epidemiological | Complexity considered in outbreak definition | Potential variability, may be resource intensive | 25 (40%) | 17 (52%) |