Monitoring data quality in syndromic surveillance: Learnings from a resource limited setting

Abstract

Background:India is in the process of integrating all disease surveillance systems with the support of a World Bank funded program called the Integrated Disease Surveillance System. In this context the objective of the study was to evaluate the components of the Orissa Multi Disease Surveillance System.Materials and Methods:Multistage sampling was carried out, starting with four districts, followed by sequentially sampling two blocks; and in each block, two sectors and two health sub-centers were selected, all based on the best and worst performances. Two study instruments were developed for data validation, for assessing the components of the surveillance and diagnostic algorithm. The Organizational Ethics Group reviewed and approved the study.Results:In all 178 study subjects participated in the survey. The case definition of suspected meningitis in disease surveillance was found to be difficult, with only 29.94%, who could be correctly identified. Syndromic diagnosis following the diagnostic algorithm was difficult for suspected malaria (28.1%), ‘unusual syndrome’ (28.1%), and simple diarrhea (62%). Only 17% could correctly answer questions on follow-up cases, but only 50% prioritized diseases. Our study showed that 54% cross-checked the data before compilation. Many (22%) faltered on timeliness even during emergencies. The constraints identified were logistics (56%) and telecommunication (41%). The reason for participation in surveillance was job responsibility (34.83%).Conclusions:Most of the deficiencies arose from human errors when carrying out day-to-day processes of surveillance activities, hence, should be improved by retraining. Enhanced laboratory support and electronic transmission would improve data quality and timeliness. Validity of some of the case definitions need to be rechecked. Training Programs should focus on motivating the surveillance personnel.

A Review of Data Quality Assessment Methods for Public Health Information Systems

“…Questionnaire surveys were reported in 10 papers [22,30,34,40,42,45,58,60,67,70]. Interviews were conducted in 3 studies [34,50,70].…”

“…Correlational analyses by zero-order Pearson correlation coefficients Implicitly focused. The chosen sample size and the precision of the results were dictated by logistical and financial considerationsVenkatarao et al 2012 [22]Accuracy of case detection, data recording, data compilation, data transmissionQuantitative method by using a 4-stage sampling method to conduct field survey (questionnaire) during May-June 2005 among 178 subjectsQuestionnaires of 2 study instruments: the first focused on the components of disease surveillance; the second assessed the ability of the study subject in identifying cases through a syndromic approachDescriptive statistics analysisAssessment from user’s viewpoint.Implicitly focused. Lack of field verification of data collection processWHO DQA 2003 [42]Quality questions checklist, quality index Five components: recording practices, storing/reporting practices, monitoring and evaluation, denominators, system design (the receipt, processing, storage and tabulation of the reported data)Quantitative and qualitative method using questionnaire checklists for each level (three levels: national, district, health unit level) of the system including 45, 38, 31 questions respectivelyQuestionnaires and discussions.…”

Modelling the Effectiveness of Epidemic Control Measures in Preventing the Transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia

“…This study demonstrates the need for quality surveillance data obtained by health authorities, which is crucial for the modelling of infectious diseases. There are several factors that are essential for the quality of data, which include an efficient surveillance system, laboratory diagnostic capacity, and data reporting and management systems [ 49 ]. The capacity to make forecasts in this study is a result of the available data quality by the MOH Malaysia, as there is a comprehensive infectious disease surveillance system in Malaysia, which includes the eNotifikasi web-based infectious disease reporting system, which is mandated under The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which provides an effective system that ensures the collection of quality data [ 50 ].…”

Mobile Phone–based Syndromic Surveillance System, Papua New Guinea

“…During the MOPBASSS reporting pilot, problems were noted with the use of several case definitions, including “prolonged fever,” which gave a lower than expected yield when compared with malaria notifications through the NHIS. Whereas establishing a functional weekly reporting system was the main priority for the pilot, diagnostic accuracy and appropriate use of case definitions can be strengthened through training ( 30 ) and should be an area of ongoing focus.…”