A Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome extranet: supporting local communication and information dissemination

Kealey Cathy, M; Noori, Akhtar-Danesh; Valaitis Ruta, K; Brunetti Glenn, M; Helen, Thomas · 2005 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-5-17

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Summary

This study evaluates the utility and user perceptions of a local Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Extranet developed in Hamilton, Ontario, during the 2003 outbreak. The research was motivated by the need to manage rapidly changing, multi-source public health information securely and efficiently. While national and provincial communication channels existed, they often failed to provide timely, localized directives or version-controlled documents. The Hamilton SARS Extranet was created as a secure, password-protected web-based system to centralize local and provincial SARS control information, supporting the SARS Steering Committee and its partners. The researchers conducted a mixed-methods survey in July 2003, three months after the outbreak began, targeting 53 SARS Steering Committee members. The survey instrument, which included both quantitative and qualitative questions, was refined through user testing using a think-aloud protocol. Data were collected via web-based and paper-based formats to maximize response rates. The final analysis included 34 respondents (a 69.4% response rate) representing hospitals, public health services, emergency services, and other agencies. The study assessed frequency of use, perceived usefulness, barriers, strengths, and potential future applications of the Extranet. Results indicated that while interactive communication methods like email, teleconferences, and face-to-face meetings were rated highest for overall usefulness, the Extranet was still considered a valuable resource. Of the respondents, 88.2% had visited the site, rating its overall quality highly (mean 4.0 out of 5), particularly regarding relevance, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. The most frequently accessed resources were SARS Steering Committee minutes (63.3%) and Hamilton medical advisories (53.3%). Users cited time constraints and information duplication with email as primary barriers, though no personal access barriers were reported. Respondents identified significant potential for future use, with 63.3% advocating for the Extranet to facilitate private email communication with public health experts and another 63.3% supporting its use for infectious disease surveillance. The study concludes that while static web-based systems like the Extranet are less preferred than interactive communication tools, they play a critical role in disseminating accurate, localized information during public health emergencies. The findings highlight the importance of anticipatory planning to establish secure, password-protected communication infrastructures before crises occur. The authors recommend that future Extranets incorporate greater interactivity, such as bulletin boards and direct email links, to enhance engagement. Additionally, the study underscores the need for clear governance regarding information sharing responsibilities among local, provincial, and federal agencies to prevent redundancy and ensure timely access to critical health directives.

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