Table 1 Open in new tab Key features of...

Table 1

Key features of the GeoSentinel database and their modelling benefits for outbreak detection

Feature	Description	Modelling benefits
Reliability	Use of validated diagnostic testing leads to high-quality data.	Reliable output depends on valid input. Misinformation on social media,¹⁵ increasing the need for trusted sources.
Scalability	Large amount of global, historical data (since 1995) and a growing network.	Labelled data allow for supervised learning.¹⁰^, Sustained growth allows for powerful deep anomaly detection methods.¹⁶
Dimensionality	Variety of data collected (e.g. patient demographic information, travel history, reason for travel).	Potential for multivariate monitoring methods,⁷ spatial–temporal monitoring⁷ and high-risk subgroup identification.¹
Timeliness	Sites incentivized to promptly enter records, leading to rapid alerts.¹¹^,¹²	Automated monitoring of travel-related health data in real-time or at high frequency enables efficient insights and alerts.

Feature	Description	Modelling benefits
Reliability	Use of validated diagnostic testing leads to high-quality data.	Reliable output depends on valid input. Misinformation on social media,¹⁵ increasing the need for trusted sources.
Scalability	Large amount of global, historical data (since 1995) and a growing network.	Labelled data allow for supervised learning.¹⁰^, Sustained growth allows for powerful deep anomaly detection methods.¹⁶
Dimensionality	Variety of data collected (e.g. patient demographic information, travel history, reason for travel).	Potential for multivariate monitoring methods,⁷ spatial–temporal monitoring⁷ and high-risk subgroup identification.¹
Timeliness	Sites incentivized to promptly enter records, leading to rapid alerts.¹¹^,¹²	Automated monitoring of travel-related health data in real-time or at high frequency enables efficient insights and alerts.