Resumen

COUTIN MARIE, Gisele et al. Métodos para la vigilancia de eventos en salud. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2000, vol.38, n.3, pp.157-166. ISSN 0253-1751.

One of the fundamental objectives of the work in the units of analysis and tendencies is to improve the surveillance methods used in the country so as to guarantee, the timely detection of any behaviour deviating from what is normally expected from health events of our concern. During the 5 years of operation of our units we have used different methods to achieve this purpose, taking into account the advances in this field abroad. We have recently started to use 2 new methods. The first of them is devoted to the comparison of what has been observed with the historical behaviour through a simple calculation procedure, while the second one is conceived for the processing of very low incidence events, which are difficult to treat with any of the traditional procedures, it uses Poisson distribution curve. Good results have been obtained with both methods since they allow the detection of deviations from the usual behaviour with enough accuracy and their use was recommeded in our provincial and municipal units.

Palabras clave : POPULATION SURVEILLANCE; INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES.