Determine the Frequency of Data Collection and Sharing

Once indicators and targets are established, it is important to determine how often the data should be collected. In an emergency, data collection should occur frequently so as to monitor the evolution of the outbreak and how populations respond. It is recommended to review data on a daily or weekly basis.

As the emergency starts to subside, data collection can be less frequent. Data should be collected throughout the emergency response to monitor progress, and at the end of the intervention to evaluate outcomes.

For data collection to help monitor and inform implementation, it needs to be accompanied by data analysis and sharing. This is especially important during an emergency when all partners and stakeholders need to be informed of the evolution of the outbreak.

The two-way communication systems or feedback loops (discussed in Unit 1: Coordination & Mapping and in Unit 3: Community Mobilization) allow for regular monitoring of activities and information sharing. Information sharing can also occur at regular coordination meetings, through discussions with the response cell, surveillance officers, health workers, spokespeople and community mobilizers. Importantly, these communication systems need to be decided and agreed upon early in the response, as highlighted in Units 1 and 3.