Electronic Systems

ESSENCE: Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics

Syndromic surveillance using ESSENCE is useful in quickly assessing public health threats and ensuring timely recognition of suspected or confirmed medical events. Such surveillance activities support the evaluation, planning, and implementation of public health practice, disease prevention, and emergency response (BUMEDINST 6220.12C).

For more information about surveillance policy and guidance, visit our Medical Surveillance and Medical Event Reporting page

Log in to ESSENCE (Account holders only)

User Guides and Training

ESSENCE v5: On 22 July 2019, ESSENCE version 5 went live, introducing a totally revamped user interface and functionality for ESSENCE users. NMCPHC has developed guidance for Navy users on how to integrate these new functions into routine surveillance activities:

• Viewing and Creating Alerts: Learn how to access alerts similar to the alerts found in the previous ESSENCE version.
• ESSENCE Registration Guide:This guide provides step-by-step instructions to assist Navy users through the process of obtaining an ESSENCE account.
• Quick Reference Checklist for ESSENCE Registration

Archived Disease Surveillance monthly training videos and presentation slides on ESSENCE topics are available here. Topics discussed include ways to optimally configure ESSENCE for routine surveillance and how to use ESSENCE to understand a surveillance population..

NMCPHC also develops supplemental ESSENCE user guidance to assist Navy users with navigating the ESSENCE program and making data decisions.

• Creating a User Defined Pneumonia Syndrome