HCWs had mixed views on the feasibility and acceptability of monitoring their absences and symptom reports for the detection of unusual cases or clusters of cases of infectious disease. All felt they had experienced activities similar to those described in the suggested monitoring system during the recent pandemic. However, in the absence of a clearly perceived threat, issues concerning privacy, confidentiality and sensitivity were raised and, particularly in Germany, identified as barriers. Nevertheless, in the UK, Hungary and Greece, participants felt the disclosure of symptoms for monitoring would be appropriate, provided the rationale, purpose, effectiveness and efficiency of such a system could be demonstrated.