Table 1 Methods and measures used for assessing attributes of statutory MRSA surveillance, Germany 2016/2017 (based on CDC guidelines)

Simplicity

Interviews

• Description of the surveillance system

• Amount and type of data on cases (for case definition and other data)

• Method of data collection including number and types of reporting sources

• Time for collecting and managing the data (e.g. data entry)

Timeliness

Data analysis and interviews

• Time elapsed between diagnosis and notification and between notification and data transmission

Data quality

Data analysis and interviews

• Completeness of surveillance data

• Presence of data quality checks

Acceptability

Data analysis and interviews

• Quantitative measures: reporting rate, data completeness, completion rate of investigations, timeliness

• Perceived public health relevance of disease

• Dissemination of aggregated data to interested parties

• Assessment of effort in relation to usefulness of the system

• Statutory requirements for reporting and data collection

Usefulness

Interviews

• Does the system contribute to a timely implementation of prevention and control measures?

• Does the system provide estimates for morbidity?

• Does the system detect trends?

• Does the system lead to improved clinical practices?

• Assessment of usefulness on 1 to 10 scale