Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance
Abstract Background The implementation of cost-effective surveillance systems is essential for tracking the emerging risk of tick-borne diseases. In Canada, where Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, a national sentinel surveillance network was designed to follow the epidemiological port...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17684-x |
| _version_ | 1797276285395795968 |
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| author | C. Guillot C. Aenishaenslin E. S. Acheson J. Koffi C. Bouchard P. A. Leighton |
| author_facet | C. Guillot C. Aenishaenslin E. S. Acheson J. Koffi C. Bouchard P. A. Leighton |
| author_sort | C. Guillot |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The implementation of cost-effective surveillance systems is essential for tracking the emerging risk of tick-borne diseases. In Canada, where Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, a national sentinel surveillance network was designed to follow the epidemiological portrait of this tick-borne disease across the country. The surveillance network consists of sentinel regions, with active drag sampling carried out annually in all regions to assess the density of Ixodes spp. ticks and prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in the tick population. The aim of the present study was to prioritize sentinel regions by integrating different spatial criteria relevant to the surveillance goals. Methods We used spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analyses (MCDA) to map priority areas for surveillance across Canada, and to evaluate different scenarios using sensitivity analyses. Results were shared with stakeholders to support their decision making for the selection of priority areas to survey during active surveillance activities. Results Weights attributed to criteria by decision-makers were overall consistent. Sensitivity analyses showed that the population criterion had the most impact on rankings. Thirty-seven sentinel regions were identified across Canada using this systematic and transparent approach. Conclusion This novel application of spatial MCDA to surveillance network design favors inclusivity of nationwide partners. We propose that such an approach can support the standardized planning of spatial design of sentinel surveillance not only for vector-borne disease BDs, but more broadly for infectious disease surveillance where spatial design is an important component. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T15:25:06Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-b1d41f14797145b593cd386ba397fa48 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T15:25:06Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-b1d41f14797145b593cd386ba397fa482024-03-05T17:08:24ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582024-01-0124111110.1186/s12889-024-17684-xSpatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillanceC. Guillot0C. Aenishaenslin1E. S. Acheson2J. Koffi3C. Bouchard4P. A. Leighton5Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealGroupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealGroupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealGroupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealGroupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealGroupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of MontrealAbstract Background The implementation of cost-effective surveillance systems is essential for tracking the emerging risk of tick-borne diseases. In Canada, where Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, a national sentinel surveillance network was designed to follow the epidemiological portrait of this tick-borne disease across the country. The surveillance network consists of sentinel regions, with active drag sampling carried out annually in all regions to assess the density of Ixodes spp. ticks and prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in the tick population. The aim of the present study was to prioritize sentinel regions by integrating different spatial criteria relevant to the surveillance goals. Methods We used spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analyses (MCDA) to map priority areas for surveillance across Canada, and to evaluate different scenarios using sensitivity analyses. Results were shared with stakeholders to support their decision making for the selection of priority areas to survey during active surveillance activities. Results Weights attributed to criteria by decision-makers were overall consistent. Sensitivity analyses showed that the population criterion had the most impact on rankings. Thirty-seven sentinel regions were identified across Canada using this systematic and transparent approach. Conclusion This novel application of spatial MCDA to surveillance network design favors inclusivity of nationwide partners. We propose that such an approach can support the standardized planning of spatial design of sentinel surveillance not only for vector-borne disease BDs, but more broadly for infectious disease surveillance where spatial design is an important component.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17684-xSentinel surveillanceLyme diseaseLyme borreliosisMulti-criteria decision analysisVector-borne diseasesPublic health decision-making |
| spellingShingle | C. Guillot C. Aenishaenslin E. S. Acheson J. Koffi C. Bouchard P. A. Leighton Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance BMC Public Health Sentinel surveillance Lyme disease Lyme borreliosis Multi-criteria decision analysis Vector-borne diseases Public health decision-making |
| title | Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance |
| title_full | Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance |
| title_fullStr | Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance |
| title_short | Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance |
| title_sort | spatial multi criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick borne disease surveillance |
| topic | Sentinel surveillance Lyme disease Lyme borreliosis Multi-criteria decision analysis Vector-borne diseases Public health decision-making |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17684-x |
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