FIELD TYPES

Date fields Most date fields have a ‘date picker’ to simplify entry of dates. Click on the calendar icon (left side of any date field), and choose the appropriate date.

Drop down lists Some fields in EpiSurv Case and Outbreak forms restrict data entry to options from a drop down list. Drop down lists will appear once the user has typed at least three characters into the field. The user can then select one value from the drop down options.

Please use the Clear button available to the right of the field to remove any entries. Backspace or Delete keys will not clear drop down field entries.

Some drop-down lists allow users to add a new entry. This is possible when a New button appears below the relevant field. Once the field is completed, click the Save button to the right of the relevant field (Cancel will clear the entry) to save the entry. This entry will now appear in the list in future searches.

Note that the form cannot be saved in EpiSurv until the user has saved (or cancelled) a new drop down entry.

For some drop-down lists, users are not permitted to add/edit entries (e.g. Outbreak pathogens/conditions, hospitals, prisons, schools etc.). Please contact CDR EpiSurv Support (CDRSupport@esr.cri.nz) if you would like any additions or changes made to these lists.

Some drop down lists will have the option to search nationally, indicated by a National Search checkbox below the drop down. Selecting this checkbox will expand the list to include all national options for the relevant field.

Free text fields Most free-text fields in EpiSurv are not marked as confidential (includes the Comments field), so users must remember to avoid entering identifying information into this field. Alternatives for identifying individuals include using initials, relationships (e.g. Mother of case), the EpiSurv Numbers etc. Please do not enter names, phone numbers, addresses or NHI numbers these fields.

USING EPISURV FORMS

Un-selecting option buttons Clicking a radio button then pressing CTRL+Delete on your keyboard should remove the last selected option button.

Clicking the Save button Clicking the Save button regularly will help you avoid losing information and prevent EpiSurv from timing out while you are editing a form. Note that EpiSurv times out after an hour of inactivity.

Attaching documents to a form If a written report has been prepared, PDF or Word documents can be attached to the form in EpiSurv.

Name of public health officer responsible for investigation The names will be available from a drop-down list. This is a memory list of any entry used/added in the last six months in EpiSurv. To add a new entry, just type ahead and save the outbreak.