| The evaluation has identified a number of ways in which the operation of the APSU may be improved |
|---|
| • Initiating systematic, more frequent revision of the mailing list |
| • Improving dissemination of information to public health professionals |
| • Informing investigators of the variable sensitivity of the APSU and the potential benefits to studies of prospectively incorporating alternative methods of case ascertainment to allow calculation of sensitivity |
| • Improving study questionnaire response rates by limiting their length, sending questionnaires immediately on notification of cases by the APSU, and developing guidelines for investigators about appropriate follow up of notifications |
| • Restricting requests for telephone reporting and supply of biological specimens |
| • Encouraging acknowledgement of all contributors to the APSU on publications and presentations |
Figure 5 Recommendations of the evaluation.