RRFSS:RRFSS:

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Ruth SandersonRuth SandersonEpidemiologist

Middlesex-London Health Unit

Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System WorkshopJune 20, 2006

Outline

• Consider our Framework• Ideas on Interpretation

– Moving beyond the indicators

• Reaching the Public with our Product– Example - focus t.v. on RRFSS

• Dissemination– Example - Artificial Tanning spanning

science, policy, practice

Surveillance System Components

Design

Collection

Analysis

Interpretation

Product Development

Dissemination

Evaluation

Its as Easy as Connecting Dots!

Sequential Framework for Enhancing Evidence-Based Public Health

Develop an initial statement of

the issue

Quantify the issue

Search the scientific literature and organize information

Evaluate the program

or policy

Develop & prioritize program

options

Develop an action plan and

implement intervention

Tools: rates and risks, surveillance data

Tools: systematic reviews,

economic data etc.

Implement

Retool

Refine Brownson, et. Al.

Ideas on Interpretation

• Indicators are an essential beginning - need to dig a little deeper

• Example: Booster Seat Safety

Positive Parenting

Booster Seat Use by Injury Prevention BeliefsMiddlesex-London, Children Ages 4-7, 2004

0

20

40

60

80

100P

erce

ntag

e (%

)

Car Seat/Seat Belt 51.3 36.8

Booster Seat 48.7 63.2

Somewhat/Very Preventable

Completely Preventable

Source: Parent Survey 2004

Positive Parenting Interaction by Parent’s AgeParents/Caregivers (18+) London & Middlesex County 2004

Source: Parent Survey 2004

Reaching the Public

• Local television spot– purpose is to make surveillance interesting

to the public, understand its use and encourage participation.

Dissemination

• Linking science, policy and practice

• Example Artificial Tanning

Use of Artificial Tanning in Past Year by Age Group by GenderLondon & Middlesex County, Ages 18+, Jan.-Dec. 2004

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

% P

erc

en

t A

ge

Gro

up

Female 28.5 15.4

Male 8.8 5.5

18-34 35-49

Source: RRFSS Waves 37-48, 2004

Conclusions

• Embrace our place in evidence based public health.

• Move beyond indicators to look for interpretation.

• Keep the public aware.

• Emphasize need to work “with” for dissemination.