Sentinel sites

What is a sentinel site?

A sentinel site is a place from which in-depth data are gathered and the resulting analysis is used to inform programs and policies affecting a larger geographic area. The concentration of resources in defined geographical areas produces a rich source of information that would be cost-prohibitive if implemented on a national scale. Sentinel sites generate results that are representative of the broader population, which makes C-EnterNet's approach very effective and highly cost-efficient.

C-EnterNet’s sentinel surveillance system currently includes two reporting sites: the Region of Waterloo, Ont., and the Fraser Health Authority, B.C. These sentinel sites are made up of integrated local networks of public health units,  public health and private laboratories, farms, retail food outlets and sources of drinking water. Information about pathogens that cause enteric illness (those that affect the intestines) that are found in those environments is gathered and analyzed by C-EnterNet to better understand the links between these enteric pathogens and illness.

How does C-EnterNet choose its sentinel sites?

Each of C-EnterNet's sentinel sites includes a Canadian community that is serviced by at least one public health unit. Systematic data collection and analysis in each site includes an enhanced analysis of the pathogens causing human infections within the sites, in coordination with active sampling for pathogens in the local water sources, farms, and certain retail foods available in those communities, since they are all potential sources of the enteric disease. Integration of these activities and collaboration within the site with various stakeholders is critical to the success of the surveillance program.

Canadian communities that meet specific criteria may be selected as sentinel sites. Basic criteria established by the C-EnterNet team and endorsed by its 37-member scientific advisory committee include:

• a population of 300,000 to 1,000,000 residents;
• an urban/rural mix representative of major geographic areas of Canada;
• private and public health laboratory capacity;
• innovation in local public health and water services; and
• willingness to participate.