| Background: This study aimed to identify the indices and frameworks that have been used to assess the
performance of communicable disease surveillance (CDS) in response to disasters and other emergencies,
including infectious disease outbreaks.
Method: In this systematic review, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest databases and
grey literature were searched until the end of 2013. All retrieved titles were examined in accordance with
inclusion criteria. Abstracts of the relevant titles were reviewed and eligible abstracts were included in a list for
data abstraction. Finally, the study variables were extracted.
Results: Sixteen articles and one book were found relevant to our study objectives. In these articles, 31 criteria
and 35 indicators were used or suggested for the assessment/evaluation of the performance of surveillance
systems in disasters. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines for the evaluation of public
health surveillance systems were the most widely used.
Conclusion: Despite the importance of performance assessment in improving CDS in response to disasters,
there is a lack of clear and accepted frameworks. There is also no agreement on the use of existing criteria and
indices. The only relevant framework is the CDC guideline, which is a common framework for assessing public
health surveillance systems as a whole. There is an urgent need to develop appropriate frameworks, criteria,
and indices for specifically assessing the performance of CDS in response to disasters and other emergencies,
including infectious diseases outbreaks. |