Mapping InfoGripe: new solutions to generate useful information for management and to advance knowledge on severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS)

 

The host study

InfoGripe logo

The InfoGripe project began in 2014 with the aim of monitoring and disseminating data on cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) in Brazil, including influenza and other respiratory diseases.

Based on data obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, InfoGripe produces weekly forecasts and analyses on the behaviour of these syndromes, identifying trends of increase or decrease in cases across different regions of the country using statistical models. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the project became an essential tool for monitoring the evolution of the disease and guiding public health policies. Over the years, InfoGripe has contributed to improving epidemiological surveillance in Brazil, providing crucial information for decision-making in public health and the prevention of outbreaks.

The processes and results generated by InfoGripe over the years have been fundamental in supporting health managers and civil society, providing information on the impact of respiratory diseases in the country. In addition to its importance for public health in Brazil, the selection of the project to be part of Pathfinder is justified by the need to identify and map processes of dialogue with health managers and the press, as well as to foster engagement with international organisations.


Pathfinder

This project was supported by the Wellcome Trust (Grant 226688/Z/22/Z).

InfoGripe report

Report – Pathfinder InfoGripe

Read the report presenting the challenges, solutions adopted and lessons learnt in the development and operation of InfoGripe, mapped using the Pathfinder methodology.

Process mapping

The Pathfinder study "Mapping InfoGripe: new solutions to generate useful information for management and the advancement of knowledge on severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS)" was proposed to address these needs by identifying the actors involved and interested in the project (stakeholders) and their impact on participation, as well as systematising the communication carried out by the host study.

The aim is to generate data, information and indicators on the reach of InfoGripe in society, with its partners, and to identify possible adjustments to the outputs delivered weekly by the project in order to expand this reach and impact.

The mapping of processes within InfoGripe will be carried out using the Tracker tool provided by TGHN. The categories mapped using the Tracker will be Results and Impact and Stakeholder Engagement.

Objectives:
Mapping of the InfoGripe host study.
Identify the tools, methods, approaches and systems used across the study stages.
Identify the challenges, solutions and lessons learnt from the key stages of the host study to share with similar studies.

Key results:
A mind map (flow) with systematised study stages.
Details of the tools, methods, skills and systems used, highlighting their application and effectiveness across the mapped stages of the host study.
Analysis of challenges and solutions adopted, explaining how they contributed to achieving the study objectives, highlighting lessons that can be shared with other similar studies.

Pathfinder Matrix

The Pathfinder matrix was developed as a guide for Pathfinder Projects to help define what the project is, its motivations, the host study’s objectives, and how success will be measured, ensuring that everyone is aligned before starting.

Flow diagram with three orange circles side by side. Each circle contains a black line icon.

In the first circle, a document icon. Below, “Start: Presentation of the weekly minutes”. In the second circle, an icon with a magnifying glass over a document. Below, “Sequence: Summary of the epidemiological situation for dengue and chikungunya in the country, including key highlights, atypical situations and possible inconsistencies in reports”. In the last circle, an icon with a list on a document and a pen. Below, “Sequence: adjustments according to weekly demands, presentation of progress on subprojects and tasks, and other important issues that may arise during the week and require discussion”.

Weekly analysis panel

The InfoGripe Bulletin is a strategy of the Unified Health System (SUS) aimed at monitoring cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) in the country. The initiative supports health surveillance systems in identifying priority areas for action, preparedness and response to public health events.

Flow diagram with three orange circles side by side. There is a black line icon in the centre of each circle.

 

Pathfinder Timeline

August – September 2024

Outputs and events:

November

December

Conducting qualitative research for the tracker (discussion group and interviews)

January – February 2025

Qualitative data analysis and tracker v.2

March

InfoGripe: monitoring severe acute respiratory infections in Brazil – Global Health Data Science working group, presentation by Daniel Cardoso Portela Camara (Fiocruz; Brazil)

April

Presentation of progress of the InfoGripe and InfoDengue Pathfinders at the TGHN LAC Pathfinder Clinic Session

June

Preparation of the stakeholder list and team ORCIDs

July

Development of the first version of the Final Report

October

Final report v.1

November

Outputs and events:

December

  • Pathfinder webinar
  • Launch of results (final report, glossary, video)

Pathfinder resources and events

InfoGripe, University of Exeter and Fiocruz logos

InfoGripe Research Club

The InfoDengue Research Club brings together professionals and students interested in epidemiological surveillance, data science and public health to study the arbovirus scenario in Brazil.

InfoGripe Report

Report – Pathfinder InfoGripe

Read the report presenting the challenges, solutions adopted and lessons learnt in the development and operation of InfoGripe, mapped using the Pathfinder methodology.

Webinar Strengthening capacities and collaborations in health research: lessons from Pathfinder studies in Latin America and the Caribbean

The webinar presented experiences from countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting how the methodology was applied in different contexts, from epidemiological surveillance and clinical trials to community engagement and the use of digital technologies.

Pathfinder Workshop – Building the Pathfinder Protocol with the InfoDengue and InfoGripe Host Studies

The aim of the workshop was to discuss the use of the Pathfinder methodology applied to the InfoDengue and InfoGripe host studies, with the purpose of mapping, planning and strengthening public health research processes.

Pathfinder Team

The Pathfinder team is composed of researchers from InfoGripe and TGHN LAC Fiocruz, an integration that enabled complementary expertise and strengthened the work developed.