scholarly journals Building Electronic Disease Surveillance Capacity in the Peruvian Navy with SAGES

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shraddha Patel ◽  
Miles Stewart ◽  
Martina Siwek
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Open Source Software ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Reporting Rates

ObjectiveTo introduce SMS-based data collection into the Peruvian Navy’s public health surveillance system for increased reporting rates and timeliness, particularly from remote areas, as well as improve capabilities for analysis of surveillance data by decision makers.IntroductionIn the past 15 years, public health surveillance has undergone a revolution driven by advances in information technology (IT) with vast improvements in the collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting of health data. Mobile technologies and open source software have played a key role in advancing surveillance techniques, particularly in resource-limited settings. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) is an internationally recognized leader in the area of electronic disease surveillance. In addition to the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE) used by several state and local jurisdictions and the CDC in the U.S., JHU/APL has also developed the Suite for Automated Global Electronic bioSurveillance (SAGES). SAGES is a collection of modular, open-source software tools designed to meet the challenges of electronic disease surveillance in resource-limited settings.JHU/APL is working with the Peruvian Navy health system to improve their electronic disease surveillance capabilities. The Peruvian Navy currently uses a SAGES-based system called Alerta DISAMAR that was implemented several years ago in an effort supported by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch, and in collaboration with the Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6). The system uses both web-based and IVR-based (interactive voice response) data collection from several Navy health facilities in Peru. For the present effort, JHU/APL is implementing a new SMS-based data collection capability for the Peruvian Navy.MethodsJHU/APL is engaged with the Peruvian Navy Health System to upgrade the existing SAGES-based Alerta DISAMAR surveillance system which relies on remote data collection using IVR (interactive voice recording) technology, with a SAGES-based system that uses SMS (short message service) text messages for remote data collection. Based on Peruvian Navy requirements, JHU/APL created mobile data entry forms for Android smartphones using the SAGES mCollect application. SAGES mCollect is built using Open Data Kit open source tools along with added features such as 128-bit encryption and quality checks.The JHU/APL team engages closely with end users and other stakeholders to determine system requirements and to deploy the system, as well as to train end users and the system administrators who will need to maintain the system once it is deployed. The JHU/APL team, consisting of both information technology and public health expertise, conduct a country-level capabilities and needs assessment to address design considerations and operational end user requirements. This assessment takes into account the requirements and objectives of the Peruvian Navy, while keeping in mind infrastructure, cost, and personnel constraints. A pilot test of SMS-based data collection is currently underway with 10 health clinics within the Navy.ResultsMany challenges exist when implementing electronic disease surveillance tools in resource-limited settings, but using a tailored approach to implementation in which specific needs, constraints, and expectations are identified with stakeholders helps increase the overall adoption and sustainment of the system. JHU/APL believes SMS-based data collection will be more sustainable than IVR-based data collection for the Peruvian Navy.ConclusionsJHU/APL is deploying a SAGES-based electronic disease surveillance system for the Peruvian Navy that has great potential to increase reporting rates from its health facilities as well as improve data quality and timeliness, thus resulting in greater awareness and enhanced public health decision making. 

scholarly journals Cholera Public Health Surveillance System in Cameroon

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moise C. Ngwa ◽  
Song Liang ◽  
Leonard Mbam ◽  
Mouhaman Arabi ◽  
Andrew Teboh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Rapid Response ◽  
Surveillance And Response ◽  
Public Health Surveillance System

Public health surveillance is essential for early detection and rapid response to cholera outbreaks. In 2003, Cameroon adopted the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy. We describe cholera surveillance within IDSR-strategy in Cameroon. Data is captured at health facility, forwarded to health district that compiles and directs data to RDPH in paper format. RDPH sends the data to the national level via internet and from there to the WHO. The surveillance system is passive with no data analysis at districts. Thus the goal of IDSR-strategy of data analysis and rapid response at the district has not been met yet.

scholarly journals Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Njeru ◽  
David Kareko ◽  
Ngina Kisangau ◽  
Daniel Langat ◽  
Nzisa Liku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Reporting Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Infectious diseases remain one of the greatest threats to public health globally. Effective public health surveillance systems are therefore needed to provide timely and accurate information for early detection and response. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The completeness of reporting increased significantly after the training by 17 percentage points (from 45% to 62%) for the intervention group compared to 3 percentage points (49% to 52%) for the comparison group. Timeliness of reporting increased significantly by 21 percentage points (from 30% to 51%) for the intervention group compared to 7 percentage points (from 31% to 38%) for the comparison group. Major challenges identified for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers being given other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.

scholarly journals Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Njeru ◽  
David Kareko ◽  
Ngina Kisangau ◽  
Daniel Langat ◽  
Nzisa Liku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Reporting Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Effective public health surveillance systems are crucial for early detection and response to outbreaks. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The average completeness of reporting for the intervention counties increased from 45% to 62%, i.e. by 17 percentage points (95% CI 16.14 -17.86) compared to an increase from 49% to 52% for the comparison group, i.e. by 3 percentage points (95% CI 2.23 -3.77). The timeliness of reporting increased from 30% to 51%, i.e. by 21 percentage points (95% CI 20.16 - 21.84) for the intervention group, compared to an increase from 31% to 38% for the comparison group, i.e.by 7 percentage points (95% CI 6.27-7.73). Major challenges for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers having other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.

scholarly journals Establishing a Plan of Action Implementing Integrated Disease Surveillance in Sudan

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayat Khogali ◽  
Ngozi A. Erondu ◽  
Betiel H. Haile ◽  
Scott J. McNabb
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Public Health Surveillance System

A recent assessment of the Sudan public health surveillance system found fragmented and siloed disease programs and an overburdened workforce due to vertical systems and inefficient processes. A plan of action was developed to support improving public health surveillance strengthening by: 1) implementing a strategic approach to achieving IHR (2005), 2) implementing One Health and IDSR aims, and 3) establishing an E-surveillance ICT platform for increasing public health surveillance capacity to safely and rapidly detect and report infectious diseases in Sudan.

scholarly journals Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Njeru ◽  
David Kareko ◽  
Ngina Kisangau ◽  
Daniel Langat ◽  
Nzisa Liku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Reporting Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Effective public health surveillance systems are crucial for early detection and response to outbreaks. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The average completeness of reporting for the intervention counties increased from 45% to 62%, i.e. by 17 percentage points (95% CI 16.14 - 17.86) compared to an increase from 49% to 52% for the comparison group, i.e. by 3 percentage points (95% CI 2.23-3.77). The timeliness of reporting increased from 30% to 51%, i.e. by 21 percentage points (95% CI 20.16 - 21.84) for the intervention group, compared to an increase from 31% to 38% for the comparison group, i.e.by 7 percentage points (95% CI 6.27-7.73). Major challenges for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers having other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.

scholarly journals Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Njeru ◽  
David Kareko ◽  
Ngina Kisangau ◽  
Daniel Langat ◽  
Nzisa Liku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Reporting Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Infectious diseases remain one of the greatest threats to public health globally. Effective public health surveillance systems are therefore needed to provide timely and accurate information for early detection and response. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2(DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda(GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates.Methods From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 control counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received a refresher training on DHIS2 while a control county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. A Likert scale was used to grade the challenges.Results The completeness of reporting increased after the training by 17 percentage points (from 45% to 62%) for the intervention group compared to 3 percentage points (49% to 52%) for the control group. Timeliness of reporting increased by 21 percentage points (from 30% to 51%) for the intervention group compared to 7 percentage points (from 31% to 38%) for the control group. Major challenges identified for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers being given other competing tasks.Conclusions Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Public Health Surveillance Systems in Refugee Settlements in Uganda, 2016 - 2019: Lessons Learnt

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Riolexus Ario ◽  
Emily Atuheire Barigye ◽  
Innocent Harbert Nkonwa ◽  
Jimmy Ogwal ◽  
Denis Nixon Opio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Village Health ◽  
Village Health Teams

Abstract BackgroundCivil wars in the Great Lakes region resulted in massive displacement of people to neighboring countries including Uganda, with associated humanitarian emergencies. Appropriate disease surveillance enables timely detection and response to outbreaks. We describe evaluation of the public health surveillance system in refugee settlements in Uganda and document lessons learnt.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey using the US CDC Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems in four refugee settlements in Uganda i.e., Bidibidi, Adjumani, Kiryandongo and Rhino Camp. Using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant and focus group discussion guides, we interviewed health facility in-charges, key personnel and village health teams from 4 districts, 53 health facilities and 112 villages.ResultsAll health facilities assessed had key surveillance staff; 60% were trained on IDSR and most village health teams were trained on disease surveillance. Case detection was at 55%; facilities lacked standard case definitions (SCDs) and were using parallel Implementing Partner (IP) driven reporting system. Recording was at 79% and reporting was at 81%. Data analysis and interpretation was at 49%. Confirmation of outbreaks and events was at 76%. Preparedness was at 72% and response was at 34%. Feedback was at 82%. Recording, reporting, preparedness, feedback and confirmation of outbreaks and events were highly achieved, and capacity to evaluate and improve the system was moderately achieved. There were low scores in capacity to detect, respond and analyse data.ConclusionPublic health surveillance system had high sensitivity, timeliness and predictive value positive. It was simple, acceptable with fair data quality attributes. It was less flexible, less stable with low representativeness. The system had good recording, reporting, preparedness, feedback and confirmation of outbreaks and events. The capacity for detection, response and data analysis and interpretation was low. Lessons learnt were: IPs offer tremendous support to surveillance; training of surveillance staff on IDSR maintains effective surveillance functions; supplies of tools, personnel etc. should be planned and executed; functionalization of district teams ensures achievement of surveillance functions and attributes; regular support supervision of health facilities necessary; harmonization of reporting improves surveillance functions and attributes; appropriation of funds to districts to support refugee settlements is complementary.

scholarly journals Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Njeru ◽  
David Kareko ◽  
Ngina Kisangau ◽  
Daniel Langat ◽  
Nzisa Liku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Reporting Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Effective public health surveillance systems are crucial for early detection and response to outbreaks. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The average completeness of reporting for the intervention counties increased from 45% to 62%, i.e. by 17 percentage points (95% CI 16.14 -17.86) compared to an increase from 49% to 52% for the comparison group, i.e. by 3 percentage points (95% CI 2.23 -3.77). The timeliness of reporting increased from 30% to 51%, i.e. by 21 percentage points (95% CI 20.16 - 21.84) for the intervention group, compared to an increase from 31% to 38% for the comparison group, i.e.by 7 percentage points (95% CI 6.27-7.73). Major challenges for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers having other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.

scholarly journals A COVID ‐19‐ready public health surveillance system: The FDA 's Sentinel System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noelle M. Cocoros ◽  
Candace C. Fuller ◽  
Sruthi Adimadhyam ◽  
Robert Ball ◽  
Jeffrey S. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Surveillance System

scholarly journals Evaluation of Measles Surveillance Systems in Ginnir District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia: A Concurrent Embedded Mixed Quantitative/Qualitative Study 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Falaho Sani ◽  
Mohammed Hasen ◽  
Mohammed Seid ◽  
Nuriya Umer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Southeast Ethiopia ◽  
Bale Zone

Abstract Background: Public health surveillance systems should be evaluated periodically to ensure that the problems of public health importance are being monitored efficiently and effectively. Despite the widespread measles outbreak in Ginnir district of Bale zone in 2019, evaluation of measles surveillance system has not been conducted. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of measles surveillance system and its key attributes in Ginnir district, Southeast Ethiopia.Methods: We conducted a concurrent embedded mixed quantitative/qualitative study in August 2019 among 15 health facilities/study units in Ginnir district. Health facilities are selected using lottery method. The qualitative study involved purposively selected 15 key informants. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems through face-to-face interview and record review. The quantitative findings were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and summarized by frequency and proportion. The qualitative findings were narrated and summarized based on thematic areas to supplement the quantitative findings.Results: The structure of surveillance data flow was from the community to the respective upper level. Emergency preparedness and response plan was available only at the district level. Completeness of weekly report was 95%, while timeliness was 87%. No regular analysis and interpretations of surveillance data, and the supportive supervision and feedback system was weak. The participation and willingness of surveillance stakeholders in implementation of the system was good. The surveillance system was found to be useful, easy to implement, representative and can accommodate and adapt to changing conditions. Report documentation and quality of data was poor at lower level health facilities. Stability of the system has been challenged by shortage of budget and logistics, staff turnover and lack of update trainings.Conclusions: The surveillance system was acceptable, useful, simple, flexible and representative. Data quality, timeliness and stability of the system were attributes that require improvement. The overall performance of measles surveillance system in the district was poor. Hence, regular analysis of data, preparation and dissemination of epidemiological bulletin, capacity building and regular supervision and feedback are recommended to enhance performance of the system.

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