Challenges in Implementing an Electronic Disease Surveillance System in Peru
Author Information
Author(s): Giselle Soto, Roger V Araujo-Castillo, Joan Neyra, Miguel Fernandez, Carlos Leturia, Carmen C Mundaca, David L Blazes
Primary Institution: U.S. Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD), Lima, Peru
Hypothesis
What are the challenges faced during the implementation of the Alerta electronic disease surveillance system in a resource-limited setting?
Conclusion
Implementing an electronic disease surveillance system requires overcoming various challenges beyond just technology, including training and cultural sensitivity.
Supporting Evidence
- The Alerta system has grown from 11 to 88 sites, covering 97.5% of the Navy population.
- Over 82,000 health-related events were reported through the system.
- The system identified 34 outbreaks during its operation from 2003 to 2006.
- Report on-time rates improved from 80% to 86% over the study period.
- The error rate in reports decreased significantly from 0.12 to 0.02.
Takeaway
This study shows that setting up a system to track diseases can be really hard, especially in places with fewer resources, but with the right training and support, it can work well.
Methodology
Retrospective description of the Alerta implementation process, including evaluation according to CDC guidelines.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture all challenges faced in different contexts or settings.
Participant Demographics
Participants included healthcare workers such as physicians, nurses, and technicians from the Peruvian Navy and Army.
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