2.1 Select an approach to collect 7-1-7 data

Jurisdictions implementing the 7-1-7 approach must determine who will collect 7-1-7 performance data. Ideally, 7-1-7 data are captured in real-time for each public health threat by those best positioned to do so, namely public health professionals directly involved in the initial investigation and response. The benefits of the 7-1-7 approach are maximized when it is used in real-time to support an ongoing response; however, the capture of real-time data may not always be possible and it may be necessary to retrospectively collect data after the event response has concluded.

Retrospective data collection can provide value, but can also be time intensive, and locating historical data for all response actions can represent a particular challenge. When retrospective data collection is determined to be necessary, 7-1-7 data may be compiled from the following sources:

• Initial risk assessment;
• Epidemiologic analyses;
• Outbreak situation reports;
• Rapid response team reports;
• Emergency Operation Center meeting notes;
• Event management systems;
• After action review (AAR) reports.