**2.1.2 Functionality**

The GLaD*Map* system includes three information units as mentioned earlier, including Laboratory, Institution and Network. Each of these units is represented on the system by a collection of data elements referred to as a profile. The laboratory profile form consists of the following sections that may be completed by the participating sites as available:


The third information unit with GLaD*Map* system is a network, which is defined as an interconnected entity (usually championed by a "leader" or "manager") and linked by common interest (a community of practice). Members develop a working relationship for professional benefit and visibility. Often these networks are established to achieve common goals that are accomplished more easily together than by one or two entities on their own. These networks may have formal or informal organizational and administrative structures.

Societies, consortiums, and committees that provide laboratory service to public

Laboratory network members that are representatives of their laboratories or

Laboratory networks that do not endorse a specific commercial organization or

Public health institutions or states that could benefit from the promotion of laboratory

Laboratory networks of importance for improving preparedness in prevention,

 Laboratory networks that provide data required for public health functions and decision-making e.g. surveillance, patient diagnosis, reference services, research and development, transfer of laboratory technologies and human resource development.

 Professional societies based on contributions of individual members to advance the knowledge in science. Their members represent their own achievements and positions,

Societies or networks who could be players in public health, but represent the interests

Networks that play an active role in advocacy of specific subject matter that may be in

The GLaD*Map* system includes three information units as mentioned earlier, including Laboratory, Institution and Network. Each of these units is represented on the system by a collection of data elements referred to as a profile. The laboratory profile form consists of the

Identity: Laboratory name, website information, and contact information including

Disciplines: Classification information, such as, bacteriology, chemistry, immunology,

 Functions: Main role and responsibilities of the laboratory. Some examples include, clinical diagnostics, surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccine production, specimen

 Specimen: Environmental (such as, food, water, soil, air), Clinical, Toxicology, Animal, and information on number of containments units at each level for handling specimens.

conflict with government or government funded laboratory policies.

following sections that may be completed by the participating sites as available:

banking, training, reference services, quality assurance and veterinary.

geographical information so that the laboratory can be mapped.

and rarely those of their institution, organizations, laboratories or employers. Societies, consortiums or advisory committees (groups, bodies) that play an active role in a policy advisory capacity. These societies could be linked to GLaD, but not part of

response, and control of public health emergencies of global concern.

The following rules apply for including a network on GLaD:

institutions that are part of the public health system.

The following types of networks must be excluded from GLaD:

of private or commercial organizations

without monetary profit.

networks found in GLaD*Map*

institution

GLaD*Map* 

**2.1.2 Functionality** 

toxicology, et cetera.

 Tests: Bacteriology, Immunology, Mycology, Parasitology, Toxicology, Virology, including information on estimates of number of specimens handled yearly and quality management system.

The institution profile form consists of the following sections that may be completed by the participating sites as available:


The network profile form consists of the following sections that may be completed by the participating sites as available:


The GLaD*Map* tool has been developed as an online web-based system to enable quick access to posted profiles and to provide the ability to seamlessly create or update new profiles while keeping the ownership of data in mind. In order to begin the data entry, GLaD has defined the persons expected to enter the information as follows (as illustrated in Fig. 2):


A laboratory must be affiliated with a network for it to exist within the GLaD*Map* system. This relationship defines the basis of the integrated search engine to define relationships between networks and their members. Optionally, a laboratory might be associated to an institution as intermediary organization between a network and laboratory. This hierarchical structure enables multi-dimensional relationships to co-exist between networks, institutions and laboratories. For example, one laboratory can be a member of multiple networks; an institution can have multiple laboratory members and be affiliated with multiple networks.

Fig. 3 is a functionality chart illustrating the data flow of the application including the searching functionality as well as the update/submit new profile functionality. Note that a laboratory may belong to a network directly without belonging to an institution.

Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

User

By Network

View results

List Map Relationship

Back to search

**2.1.3 Preliminary analysis** 

in the search results.

and assist in planning the next steps.

By Location

By Lab Name

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 221

profile

Fill in lab, network or institution profile

Reviewer

Fig. 3. GLaD*Map*: Application data flow for searching, creating and updating profiles

GLaD*Map* currently contains 33 laboratory networks and over 1,000 laboratories. Analysis of network and laboratory profile completion has shown that gaps still exist in the completeness of the networks, and only 10% of laboratories have complete profiles at this time. Some preliminary analysis of search usage data has shown that the most commonly used search fields were network and test performed. This underscores the importance of network and profile completion, as it increases the likelihood of the search term appearing

The next step is to perform in-depth analysis of the data that has been collected using the GLaD*Map* tool to identify missing data, most commonly completed fields, fully completed networks, and search usage. Such analysis will aid in understanding the use of the system

Submit for approval

View location on map and set profile to PENDING

> Profile available for searching

Approve pending profile

Login to secure site (www.cnphi-rcrsp.ca)

Update existing profile

Select existing profile (lab, institution or network) and request an update

> Reviewer might need to contact the data provider for missing information before approving the profile

User may use the "Correct Me" feature to locate the lab on the map if change is required

GLaDMap

search Create new

By Test

In summary, a user needs to follow the following steps upon visiting the home page:


Fig. 2. GLaD*Map*: Illustration of three hierarchical data entry layers

Once the profiles have been entered, the information is automatically submitted into a restricted pending box within the online GLaD*Map* system. The profiles are then reviewed and approved by the GLaD*Map* Reviewer (who may consult with the data provider before approving the profile). Once approved, the profile immediately becomes publicly available for searching and the submitter is notified *via* automatically generated email.

The GLad*Map* system includes a mechanism to update existing profiles by the responsible individuals using a built-in email based one-time use access links. This mechanism alleviates the need for user account management. This is achieved by sending an automatically generated single use link in an email to the profile lead requesting an update. Fig. 4 illustrates steps required to submit/update each of the profiles using the GLaD*Map* system.

The search functionality provides an interactive mechanism for users to find laboratories using one of the four available search methods: Laboratory Name, Network, Geographical Location, and Tests performed. These methods may be combined to further filter the results. The system provides the results in one of three ways: Simple line list (which displays the results in a list highlighting some of the key data elements including name, primary contact, country and link to the detailed profile); color coded geographical point maps using integrated Google Maps; and proprietary interactive visualization tool called interactive relationship diagram (IRD), as illustrated in Fig. 5.

The IRD is a used to visualize multi-dimensional relationships between and among laboratories, institutions, networks, countries, and WHO regions. The tool allows user to visually interact with the relationships and analyze various patterns that can emanate from such interaction.

Submit the profile with associated email address for confirmation and follow-up if

*An institution may belong to another network(s)*

Once the profiles have been entered, the information is automatically submitted into a restricted pending box within the online GLaD*Map* system. The profiles are then reviewed and approved by the GLaD*Map* Reviewer (who may consult with the data provider before approving the profile). Once approved, the profile immediately becomes publicly available

The GLad*Map* system includes a mechanism to update existing profiles by the responsible individuals using a built-in email based one-time use access links. This mechanism alleviates the need for user account management. This is achieved by sending an automatically generated single use link in an email to the profile lead requesting an update. Fig. 4 illustrates steps required to submit/update each of the profiles using the GLaD*Map*

The search functionality provides an interactive mechanism for users to find laboratories using one of the four available search methods: Laboratory Name, Network, Geographical Location, and Tests performed. These methods may be combined to further filter the results. The system provides the results in one of three ways: Simple line list (which displays the results in a list highlighting some of the key data elements including name, primary contact, country and link to the detailed profile); color coded geographical point maps using integrated Google Maps; and proprietary interactive visualization tool called interactive

The IRD is a used to visualize multi-dimensional relationships between and among laboratories, institutions, networks, countries, and WHO regions. The tool allows user to visually interact with the relationships and analyze various patterns that can emanate from

Network

LAYER 1

LAYER 2

LAYER 3

*Order of data entry*

*A lab can independently belong to a network(s)*

In summary, a user needs to follow the following steps upon visiting the home page:

 Select the profile: Network, Institution or Laboratory Enter the relevant information in each of the sections

required

system.

such interaction.

Network

relationship diagram (IRD), as illustrated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 2. GLaD*Map*: Illustration of three hierarchical data entry layers

for searching and the submitter is notified *via* automatically generated email.

Institution Institution

Lab Lab Lab Lab

Fig. 3. GLaD*Map*: Application data flow for searching, creating and updating profiles

### **2.1.3 Preliminary analysis**

GLaD*Map* currently contains 33 laboratory networks and over 1,000 laboratories. Analysis of network and laboratory profile completion has shown that gaps still exist in the completeness of the networks, and only 10% of laboratories have complete profiles at this time. Some preliminary analysis of search usage data has shown that the most commonly used search fields were network and test performed. This underscores the importance of network and profile completion, as it increases the likelihood of the search term appearing in the search results.

The next step is to perform in-depth analysis of the data that has been collected using the GLaD*Map* tool to identify missing data, most commonly completed fields, fully completed networks, and search usage. Such analysis will aid in understanding the use of the system and assist in planning the next steps.

Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 223

and successful solutions and techniques (advocacy techniques, shipping specimens, etc.), and 3) a self-learning e-platform offering topics for professionals so they can learn about

Fig. 5. Interactive Relationship Diagram: Illustration of multidimensional relationships

YouTube, e-journals,) and create an instant pool of such resources for the users.

Quality standards for tests that are set by accreditation bodies (ISO, CAP, CLIA)

Self-learning material to see how tests are done in various countries

GLaD*Resource* components include:

GLaD*Resource* will be a secure site available to laboratory professionals. Resource sharing will be based on two concepts. First, participants would be able to upload video tutorials, PDF files, images or web links to a secure parking lot. The parking lot will enable users to ask questions and leave comments on the various resources within the lot, thus fostering rapid collaboration and assessment of resources on a global scale. Second, a system will be developed to automatically identify resources on the web using automated search engines to provide faceted searching, full-text searching, dynamic clustering and geospatial searching. Such a system will enable rapid identification of resources available on the Internet (such as,

Some of the examples of resources that will be considered for inclusion within the

scientific advancements, management practices and organizational skills.

Fig. 4. GLaD*Map*: Process for submitting new profile and updates

#### **2.2 GLaD***Resource*

GLaD*Resource* component of the GLaD platform is intended to be a dynamic, shared repository for archiving templates, tools/"best use" advice, and self-learning materials. It is intended to provide access to: 1) templates (agreements, contracts, multi-center study formats, etc.), 2) network tools (*i.e.* lexicon, managing membership, quality standard monitoring, etc.), protocols (for evaluations, reference panels, wet-laboratory exercises etc.)

Fig. 4. GLaD*Map*: Process for submitting new profile and updates

GLaD*Resource* component of the GLaD platform is intended to be a dynamic, shared repository for archiving templates, tools/"best use" advice, and self-learning materials. It is intended to provide access to: 1) templates (agreements, contracts, multi-center study formats, etc.), 2) network tools (*i.e.* lexicon, managing membership, quality standard monitoring, etc.), protocols (for evaluations, reference panels, wet-laboratory exercises etc.)

**2.2 GLaD***Resource*

and successful solutions and techniques (advocacy techniques, shipping specimens, etc.), and 3) a self-learning e-platform offering topics for professionals so they can learn about scientific advancements, management practices and organizational skills.

Fig. 5. Interactive Relationship Diagram: Illustration of multidimensional relationships

GLaD*Resource* will be a secure site available to laboratory professionals. Resource sharing will be based on two concepts. First, participants would be able to upload video tutorials, PDF files, images or web links to a secure parking lot. The parking lot will enable users to ask questions and leave comments on the various resources within the lot, thus fostering rapid collaboration and assessment of resources on a global scale. Second, a system will be developed to automatically identify resources on the web using automated search engines to provide faceted searching, full-text searching, dynamic clustering and geospatial searching. Such a system will enable rapid identification of resources available on the Internet (such as, YouTube, e-journals,) and create an instant pool of such resources for the users.

Some of the examples of resources that will be considered for inclusion within the GLaD*Resource* components include:


Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

White pages: A directory of members

examples

and discussions

interest groups

you need six factors:

natural

Question and answer: Such as a message board

Subject matter experts: A topical directory of experts

Site search engine: For ease of access to documents

to face or online professional development programs Library: Resources to support the community focus

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 225

transfer. According to (Sherer *et. al*., 2003), asynchronous Internet communication can

Professional Development activities: informal, self- directed learning or a listing of face

Best practices: What has been done and what works well, including templates and

Community management tools: following participants, traffic, most popular documents

 Community workspace: Collaborative tools for discussion (chat, discussion board, white board, videoconferencing) and ability of members to create their own special

Because these communities may include a large amount of information pertaining to different topics, (Sherer *et. al*., 2003) also recommend allowing users to customize their

In designing an interactive community for professionals, it is necessary to understand how the community will be used and what type of knowledge will be shared. A study conducted in 2007 (Hara & Hew, 2007) investigated why and how nurses used an online community of practise. The study found that nurses' use of the online community arose from a need to ask questions and interact with other nurses that are doing the same job that they do. Because it is necessary for nurses to be knowledgeable about current best practise methods and literature, they found the information available in the community useful. Many well-known nurses were members of the community, and this gave the community a level of expertise and professionalism that attracted more members. In terms of content of the community, researchers found that 51% of the messages regarded knowledge sharing, 33% solicitation of help, and the remainder pertained to appreciation, job posting, empathy, greetings, administration, clarification, compliments, and encouragement. Furthermore, of the 51% of messages involving knowledge sharing, only 8.7% contained book knowledge being shared, while the rest contained practical knowledge. This shows that by far, participants were sharing practical knowledge acquired through practice in order to reduce gaps advance their skills as practitioners. The authors conclude that in order to sustain knowledge sharing in an online community,

1. Self- selected members: To ensure knowledge sharing is informal, voluntary, and

3. A need for knowledge: A need to be knowledgeable about current best practises,

2. Validation of practise: To establish identity and reinforce role of practitioners

technology, and advancements in the field

supplement a community of practise by providing the following services:

Lessons learned: History and documentation of the community's progress

Other related communities: Links to other communities and websites

experience so that they only see the information most relevant to themselves.


The following key concepts will be considered during the development of the GLaD*Resource* component, keeping in mind that it needs to be user-driven system that empowers and encourages users to input resources and maintain them:

	- Where do the protocols originate?
	- What is the "status" of the author?

It is well understood that the willingness of users to collaborate and share documents will require the generation of immediate value-added to the community.

### **2.3 GLaD***Support*

GLaD*Support* is planned to be an activities platform linking networks and their members to interact within their network and with others using "closed" social networking platform. GLaD*Support* will: 1) keep a message board for networks to post announcements, open invitations to meetings and training opportunities, 2) give strategic guidance and assistance to existing and new networks, 3) create opportunities to connect laboratory network managers and, 4) organize meetings and forums for sharing practical information, and proven best practices that keep networks functional and active.

A Social Network is a set of Processes, Methods and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) to bring communities and likeminded people together to interact for common purposes or serving common goals through provision of a platform for participants to socially interact with each other. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are young (less than 10 year old) companies which have already proven the benefits of virtual social networking – reports of high profile events first appear on Twitter and Facebook, before the media network catches on. The individuals engaged in these social networks have a sense of belonging to the virtual society, and are interested in notifying their "social circle" about breaking events.

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Vascellero, 2007), social networking opportunities for professionals have been burgeoning with the recent advent of websites such as Sermo.com for physicians, AdGabber.com for advertising, and InMobile.org for the wireless industry. These websites are intended as a place for individuals in the same industry to connect, network, and share ideas. These websites differ from message boards in that they include features such as personal blogs, profiles with professional credentials, links to friends, instant messaging, and event invitations.

Online communities of practice can allow users to interact with others in their field without geographic or temporal barriers. This anywhere/anytime communication increases access to information from others in their field, and facilitates professional growth and knowledge transfer. According to (Sherer *et. al*., 2003), asynchronous Internet communication can supplement a community of practise by providing the following services:


224 New Research on Knowledge Management Technology

The following key concepts will be considered during the development of the GLaD*Resource* component, keeping in mind that it needs to be user-driven system that empowers and

Resources should be targeted to scientists, technicians laboratory directors, and

It is well understood that the willingness of users to collaborate and share documents will

GLaD*Support* is planned to be an activities platform linking networks and their members to interact within their network and with others using "closed" social networking platform. GLaD*Support* will: 1) keep a message board for networks to post announcements, open invitations to meetings and training opportunities, 2) give strategic guidance and assistance to existing and new networks, 3) create opportunities to connect laboratory network managers and, 4) organize meetings and forums for sharing practical information, and

A Social Network is a set of Processes, Methods and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) to bring communities and likeminded people together to interact for common purposes or serving common goals through provision of a platform for participants to socially interact with each other. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are young (less than 10 year old) companies which have already proven the benefits of virtual social networking – reports of high profile events first appear on Twitter and Facebook, before the media network catches on. The individuals engaged in these social networks have a sense of belonging to the virtual society, and are interested in notifying their "social circle" about

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Vascellero, 2007), social networking opportunities for professionals have been burgeoning with the recent advent of websites such as Sermo.com for physicians, AdGabber.com for advertising, and InMobile.org for the wireless industry. These websites are intended as a place for individuals in the same industry to connect, network, and share ideas. These websites differ from message boards in that they include features such as personal blogs, profiles with professional credentials,

Online communities of practice can allow users to interact with others in their field without geographic or temporal barriers. This anywhere/anytime communication increases access to information from others in their field, and facilitates professional growth and knowledge

Protocols from highly regarded laboratories such as WHO reference centers

tests, laboratory, network, country

encourages users to input resources and maintain them:

 Where do the protocols originate? What is the "status" of the author?

network managers

Quality of resources:

Legal considerations

**2.3 GLaD***Support*

breaking events.

Use of proficiency panels and biosafety around the globe

 Format of files to make sure they are sharable, printable, et cetera Language of resources to make sure they can be translated with ease

require the generation of immediate value-added to the community.

proven best practices that keep networks functional and active.

links to friends, instant messaging, and event invitations.

How various laboratories work within these systems, and how they differ based on


Because these communities may include a large amount of information pertaining to different topics, (Sherer *et. al*., 2003) also recommend allowing users to customize their experience so that they only see the information most relevant to themselves.

In designing an interactive community for professionals, it is necessary to understand how the community will be used and what type of knowledge will be shared. A study conducted in 2007 (Hara & Hew, 2007) investigated why and how nurses used an online community of practise. The study found that nurses' use of the online community arose from a need to ask questions and interact with other nurses that are doing the same job that they do. Because it is necessary for nurses to be knowledgeable about current best practise methods and literature, they found the information available in the community useful. Many well-known nurses were members of the community, and this gave the community a level of expertise and professionalism that attracted more members. In terms of content of the community, researchers found that 51% of the messages regarded knowledge sharing, 33% solicitation of help, and the remainder pertained to appreciation, job posting, empathy, greetings, administration, clarification, compliments, and encouragement. Furthermore, of the 51% of messages involving knowledge sharing, only 8.7% contained book knowledge being shared, while the rest contained practical knowledge. This shows that by far, participants were sharing practical knowledge acquired through practice in order to reduce gaps advance their skills as practitioners. The authors conclude that in order to sustain knowledge sharing in an online community, you need six factors:


Knowledge Integration to Support Networking for

**3. Conclusion** 

**4. Acknowledgment** 

**5. References** 

*10,* 94-107.

353–356.

managing global laboratory networks.

multi-faceted approach to searching and sharing.

Laboratory Preparedness and Response to Emerging Pathogens 227

related information, which is fast, continually evolving, and universally accessible with a

Global health security is everyone's responsibility. Uniting scientists and their expertise into networks is one way to strengthen response, build capacity and share with others at local, regional and global levels. Successful models of cooperative networks-- Global Outbreak and Response Network, the UN agencies (WHO, Food and Agriculture Organization) supported networks, the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) reference networks, PulseNet International and its sub-regional networks-- are examples of functional networks and a testament that networks do provide the connection and are irreplaceable repositories of experience and knowledge. Paradoxically, even as the scientific community recognizes that it is easy to form a network, it also recognizes that sustaining the work of the networks can often be challenging. The development of knowledge management tools for this project

The authors would like to convey sincere thanks to Ms. Kashmeera Meghnath who performed literature review and usage analysis and assisted with editing of this chapter. The authors are grateful to the World Health Organization for supporting developing the GLaD conceptual ideas under the International Health Regulations Coordination Office, Geneva, Switzerland and to the laboratory technical advisers of their experience in

Ardichvilli, A, Maurer, M, Li, W, and Wentling, T. (2006). *Cultural influences on knowledge* 

Baker, M.G. & Fidler, D.P. (2006). *Global public health surveillance under new international health* 

Featherstone, D., Brown, D., & Sanders, R. (2003). *Development of the global measles laboratory* 

Hara, N and Hew, KF. (2007). *Knowledge sharing in an online community of health professionals*.

Hull, B.P. & Dowdle, W.R. (1997). *Poliovirus surveillance: building the poliovirus laboratory* 

Mukhi, S. N., Aramini J. and Kabani A. (2007). *Contributing to communicable disease* 

Sherer, PD, Shea, TP, and Kristensen, E. (2003). *Online Communities of Practice: A Catalyst for* 

*Faculty Development*. Innovative Higher Education*. 27*, 183- 294.

*intelligence management in Canada*, Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. November; 18(6):

*regulations*. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 12:1058-65.

*network.* J Infect Dis. 187(Suppl 1):S264–9

*network*. J Infect Dis. 175(Suppl):S113-6

Information Technology & People*. 20*, 235- 261.

*sharing through online communities of practise*. Journal of Knowledge Management.

is intended to assist the GLaD laboratory community to meet their challenges.


Finally, in a global community, it is important to understand any cultural barriers to access. In a 2006 study done by the engineering firm Caterpillar (Ardichvilli *et. al.,* 2006) in it's international offices, located in Brazil, China, and Russia, researchers investigated what factors might prevent employees from participating in an online community of practise with their international affiliates. They found that the most commonly cited barriers were:


The GLaD*Support* component will utilize some of the above-mentioned principles and lessons learned in developing a novel closed social network for laboratory professionals to facilitate global collaboration and consultation.

### **2.4 Scenarios**

The GLaD platform can provide significant benefits to the laboratory community. The following lists some example scenarios on how GLaD contributes to global collaboration and consultation while providing efficient means of finding relevant information:


Typical current practice is to search the Internet for information, which can be extremely time consuming and oftentimes misleading, or to use traditional approach of using phone calls to search for expertise. GLaD platform can provide a one-stop-shop for laboratory related information, which is fast, continually evolving, and universally accessible with a multi-faceted approach to searching and sharing.
