Article de revue
Mobile phone–based syndromic surveillance system, Papua New Guinea
The health care system in Papua New Guinea is fragile, and surveillance systems infrequently meet international standards. To strengthen outbreak identification, health authorities piloted a mobile phone–based syndromic surveillance system and used established frameworks to evaluate whether the system was meeting objectives. Stakeholder experience was investigated by using standardized questionnaires and focus groups. Nine sites reported data that included 7 outbreaks and 92 cases of acute watery diarrhea. The new system was more timely (2.4 vs. 84 days), complete (70% vs. 40%), and sensitive (95% vs. 26%) than existing systems. The system was simple, stable, useful, and acceptable; however, feedback and subnational involvement were weak. A simple syndromic surveillance system implemented in a fragile state enabled more timely, complete, and sensitive data reporting for disease risk assessment. Feedback and provincial involvement require improvement. Use of mobile phone technology might improve the timeliness and efficiency of public health surveillance.
Auteurs
Langues
- Anglais
Année de publication
2013
Journal
EID
Volume
11
Type
Article de revue
Catégories
- Données
Pays
- Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée
Mots-clés
- Disease surveillance
- Immunization information systems
Régions de l'OMS
- Région du Pacifique occidental