The evaluation of a new standard data set on reported cases of intestinal infectious disease in Scotland, and recommendations for the future

A national survey of local authorities was carried out to ascertain what in formation they collected on reported cases of intestinal infectious disease and why. As a result of the survey, and a review of national objectives, t wo data collection forms designed to satisfy both local and national object ives were piloted. One of the forms was four pages long, and sought much le ss data than the second form, which was 10 pages long. The outcomes of thes e investigations were established, and assessed, to see if they could have led to the achievement of the stated local and national objectives. Neither data collection form was entirely successful in fulfilling all local objec tives, although the four-page form was no less successful than the ten page form. Neither form succeeded in fulfilling national objectives. The study has shown that our best efforts at fulfilling local and national objectives by the universal administration of either the four-page, or the 10-page fo rm are of limited value. We recommend that the universal collection of such information from reported cases of intestinal infectious disease be discon tinued. We recommend a risk-based approach to identify cases whose follow u p is more likely to achieve more realistic objectives.