Exercise ASKARI SERPENT: enabling clinical data collection during exercises and operations to support future contingency planning and assurance of category-based reporting systems

Abstract

A Read-coded matrix built on CMT protocols is a simple and useful tool, particularly in civilian populations, for collecting morbidity data with the vast majority of conditions accounted for in the protocols. It is anticipated that such a system can better inform training, manning, medical material and pharmaceutical procurement than current category-based morbidity surveillance systems such as EPINATO (NATO epidemiological data). There is clear advantage to directly linking data capture to treatment algorithms. Accuracy, both in terms of numbers and condition, is likely improved. Data is also captured contemporaneously rather than after indeterminate time. Read coding has the added benefit of being an established electronic standard. In addition, the system would support traditional reporting methods such as EPINATO by providing increased assurance.

Paediatrics on exercise ASKARI SERPENT: reflections and recommendations for pre-deployment training

“…Parsons et al 5 previously described the role of using epidemiological data from Exercise ASKARI SERPENT to inform training and medical procurement, and published detailed morbidity data from a read-code matrix, but without an age-based breakdown of patient presentations. Since 2017, data collection using the Survey123 electronic capture tool has included patient demographics and a broad diagnostic category, and allowed for stratification by age group.…”

Medical data collection on UK Military Exercise Saif Sareea 3: the EpiNATO-2 surveillance system

“…It is of note that whilst the guide and education session pertained to EpiNATO-2 PLUS and the larger improvement was observed in data validity from this surveillance system, decreases were seen in the rate of coding errors for both surveillance systems, falling to 6.8% and 6.6%. Previous literature relating to EpiNATO-2 highlights trends in epidemiological data that has been identified with the use of this surveillance system [1][2][3][4]. However, as with other novel data capturing systems and version 2 EpiNATO-2[2-3] these do not capture the full spectrum of clinical activity and patient disposition data that has been captured in EpiNATO-2 PLUS.…”

“…The recording of epidemiological data is vital in preparation and resource planning for future exercises/operations by reviewing the trends in medical activity from similar past exercises [1]. SInce 2014 EpiNATO-2 has been defined in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) doctrine EpiNATO-2 as the only interoperable health surveillance system to monitor the burden of disease within military populations, however, other novel data capturing systems including using a 'read-code matrix' have also been been trialled [2][3][4]. The EpiNATO-2 surveillance system (herein EpiNATO-2) captures epidemiological data at first presentation by categorising consultations into clinical coding groups based upon symptoms[].…”

Lessons from the organisation of the UK medical services deployed in support of Operation TELIC (Iraq) and Operation HERRICK (Afghanistan)

“… 38 The DMS also needs to be able to communicate and transfer data, including clinical data to conduct patient transfer between the UK roles of healthcare, theatre and the Firm Base and with indigenous, coalition, international agency and non-government organisation healthcare providers. 39 40 …”