Headlines - Recruitment of experts to conduct evaluations of the InVS surveillance systems

As part of its quality and risk management initiative, the InVS launched an external evaluation of its surveillance systems in 2011, focusing on their utility (the system’s suitability for the stated objective) and performance (sensitivity, specificity, simplicity, responsiveness, efficiency, etc.). Four systems have already been evaluated, three are currently under evaluation (including the surveillance of carbon monoxide poisoning), and approximately thirty systems will be reviewed, at a rate of four per year on average. Thus, in 2014, the non-specific surveillance system SurSaUD® will be evaluated, along with surveillance of nutritional status, musculoskeletal disorders, chikungunya, and dengue; in 2015, surveillance systems for mesothelioma, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections; and in 2016, surveillance systems for tuberculosis, cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate), and health risks related to water quality.

The evaluations are based on a method adapted from that developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. They are conducted by a panel of three or four experts who review the available literature, participate in field visits, and conduct interviews with the various stakeholders and users of the systems. This work results in an evaluation report, which is submitted to the relevant teams and the InVS executive management.

Knowledge of the healthcare system and its organization, expertise in evaluating systems and organizations, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are preferred. Subject-specific expertise in the areas under study may also be required, depending on the topic (infectious diseases, chronic diseases, occupational health, health and the environment).

The workload is approximately three days per surveillance system evaluated.

If you are interested, please submit your application by January 15, 2014, via email to the following address: evaluation.surveillance@invs.sante.fr. You will find all information regarding the methodology used, compensation, previously completed evaluation reports, and application procedures on the InVS website.