Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have practical utility;
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Based on the “high” and “some” risk
categories, data collection was necessary, appropriate, and
practical in helping identify travelers/patients that may develop
Ebola and potentially need advanced treatment and containment.
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The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information
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The agency’s estimate of burden was limited to the
collection of information only. It did not include the burden of
SLHD staff to make in-person visits to conduct assessments and
collect information for DAM or the burden of active monitoring of
a significantly large number of persons (HCW, travelers, etc.)
under AM for 21 consecutive days.
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This is correct. The estimates of burden are solely for the data
collection (reporting of monitoring) and not for the separate
monitoring activities of persons at exposure-risk.
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Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected
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-Electronic data collection through a prepopulated Excel
spreadsheet for daily reporting was appropriate under the
circumstances. Being able to use tools that SLHDs were familiar
with and could be improved easily if necessary relieved burden.
-Weekly reporting of aggregate,
de-identified data reduced burden. Additionally, use of the
Countermeasure Response & Administration (CRA) System for
weekly reporting was appropriate. The 62 jurisdictions were
already familiar with the system and were not required to learn
new systems or processes of reporting.
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Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
respondents, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology
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Communication through Epi-X and existing systems used by SLHDs
also relieved the burden of learning a new system or new way of
communicating with CDC. Conducting the pilot test with some of the
jurisdictions that would likely see more travelers was an
effective mechanism for estimating burden of data collection.
Alternatives technologies and data sharing platforms that may
provide more effective and efficient data transfer should be
explored for use during future events requiring this type of
public health activity.
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We hope to further develop CRA modules for use during future
similar public health activities
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Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation,
maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information
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Estimates of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services must
take into account the potential number of respondents and the
length of time each respondent will be followed (21 day period).
The aforementioned considerations are less important in a mild
outbreak, however in a severe outbreak, the burden increases
-Additionally, the time between notification of DAM/AM and the
start of data collection was very short for most of the
jurisdictions. Often SLHDs need time to mount a significant data
collection effort that will be most effective as possible in
relation to costs, maintenance, and operation. The burden and cost
to starting up the data collection so quickly may not be captured
in this agency’s estimate.
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-Estimates of burden presented here are based on a predicted
average. We recognize and have attempted to account for variations
in number of travelers in different seasons and potential for risk
categorization. The vast majority of travelers will be in the low
risk category; since this information is reported in aggregate
format, a large increase in travelers should not greatly increase
the reporting burden (although it would increase the burden of the
monitoring, itself).
-We recognize that the need for rapid implementation of this
data collection was a burden on all involved. However, it was
critical that states monitor and report status on persons
returning to the US from heavily-impacted countries to ensure
rapid identification and minimize spread of EVD in the US.
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