Table 1 The priority classification and definition of the categorisation of the variables
Category of prioritisation | Definition |
|---|---|
Essential | Mandatory variables that should appear on all outbreak investigation forms |
High | Variables which are highly desirable however not essential |
Medium | Variables which are recommended to be collected when feasible. These should be considered when facing an unusual outbreak that triggers the need for more detailed information, e.g. a novel form of a disease, a changing epidemiological pattern of a known disease, or the suspicion of new risk factors. |
Low | Other variables which should be collected when feasible in order to refine the analysis |