out-reach-programs

It is a decentralized, State based Surveillance Program in the country. It is intended to detect early warning signals of impending outbreaks and help initiate an effective response in a timely manner. Major components of the project are : (1) Integrating and decentralization of surveillance activities; (2) Strengthening of public health laboratories; (3) Human Resource Development (4) Use of Information Technology for collection, collation, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data.Our project implementation is through the Surveillance Unit at our college under the Community Medicine & Microbiology Departments . The Surveillance Committee monitor the Project. Currently linkages are being established with the State Head Quarters, District Head Quarters on a Satellite Broadband Hybrid Network. This network enables enhanced Speedy Data Transfer, Video Conferencing, Discussions, Training, Communication and e-learning for outbreaks and program monitoring. A 24X7 call center with toll free telephone no 1075 accessible from BSNL / MTNL telephone from the state is in operation since February 2008. This receives disease alerts from anywhere in the state and diverges the information to the respective District Surveillance Units for verification and initiating appropriate actions wherever required. The IDSP data is collected on a weekly (Monday–Sunday) basis. The information is collected on three specified reporting formats, namely “S” (suspected cases), “P” (presumptive cases) and “L” (Laboratory confirmed cases) filled by Health Workers, Clinician and Clinical Laboratory staff. The weekly data gives the time trends. Whenever there is a rising trend of illnesses in any area, it is investigated by the Medical Officers / Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to diagnose and control the outbreak. Emphasis is being laid on reporting of surveillance data. On an average we report 1-2 outbreaks are reported every quarter to Central Surveillance Unit, Greener areas in the project are Non Communicable Diseases Risk Factor Survey currently being conducted in our unit. The survey is slated to be conducted every 3 months to cover our catchment population. IDSP also supports activities related to Avian Influenza, Swine Flu (H1N1) control.

Public Health Survey is a program that has been introduced for collecting information about human population through direct (or indirect) contact with the individuals, organizations and community by using systematic methods of measurement such as questionnaires and interviews. Many surveys are conducted around the year. The purpose, topics, size of the survey, steps in planning and implementation are developed by a core committee of innovation and strategic planning initiative of the college.The innovates plan follows these steps
Identification of the Purpose
To determine the purpose of a survey, two questions are asked
(1) What information is needed (2) where can this information be found. This is used to develop a survey question.Developing a Questionnaire
The purpose of survey and population of interest is determined. Based on this a questionnaire is now developed. The questionnaire design is developed by our Out Reach Program Team at the Department of Community Medicine. The topics that are essential, identifying questions for each topic. reviewing previous questionnaires, preparing the question order is prepared. Questionnaires are prepared to start with basic questions Pilot testing of the questionnaire is done to determine the acceptability of the questionnaire to typical respondents and how long it takes them to complete it. A cognitive test of the questionnaire is done to determine problems with question comprehension, and understanding. Internal review board provides the approvals to survey questionnaire.Identification of Site
Our public health surveys are conducted in households, schools, health care facilities or worksites. The location is based on the population of interest.

Identification of Method
Within each setting, data is obtained in three ways: through personal interviews, through self-administrated questionnaires, or / and by laboratory study.Identification of Sample
The quality of the sample determines the quality of the data. Hence samples of convenience or volunteer samples are discouraged. Scientifically selected samples are preferred as they are representative of the target population and are used to generalize.Conduct of Fieldwork
Fieldwork begins with obtaining clearance or approval to conduct the survey from respondents and administrators. Selection of data collectors, training of data collectors to make them become familiar with the questionnaire format, content, mode of data collection, data collection protocol, and quality control procedures ; is done by the community out reach team at the department of community medicine.Data Analysis
The survey data were entered manually, or scanned electronically, and then the data are edited for out-of-range responses, simple consistency, and logic errors. the sample is weighted to adjust for non-response, varying probabilities of selection, and sample characteristics. Reporting. Survey data are used to improve policies and programs. Consequently, key decision making need to be able to access and understand the data. In addition formal research papers, press releases, fact sheets or pamphlets, or Internet materials are considered,

This program involves the medical college in adolescent health, to be continued in the current year to sensitize the medical and paramedical students towards the issues in Adolescent Health. The program at our institute envisages

• Early intervention against the root cause of maternal anemia.
• Adolescent Friendly Health Services Modules for School children
• Counselor service through the Teen Clinics where in the 3rd year medical graduate students and nursing students train in adolescent health.
• Psychological & Social Support for teen issues.