Implementation of information systems in public health programs - SIM-TB case study

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of disease and death in the world. One of the main pillars of the DOTS strategy is the surveillance and monitoring systems. The TB surveillance network in Kosovo consists of ten TB centers for primary, secondary, and tertiary care. NGO KeA is the main partner of the national program for TB surveillance. The paper-based surveillance system proved to be problematic in influencing the decision-making processes of the TB program. Purpose: To develop a web application for tuberculosis surveillance that enables evidence-based implementation of the TB program Methodology: The TB notification form, with unique patient numbers, general data, new case definitions, laboratory, diagnostic, and treatment data was developed and enabled the generation of case, age group, and treatment results reports according to municipalities, regions, or the whole country. All centers were equipped with computers, internet, manuals, and staff training. Results: The web application named SIM-TB, with several modules, was developed and successfully installed in all centers providing real-time TB data and easily and quickly obtaining essential information for each TB case, as well as the generation of various reports that reflected TB epidemiology of the country. Data from the system could be extracted to Excel and used for further statistical analysis. Conclusion: The web-based surveillance system, successfully implemented within the existing health infrastructure, showed advantages over the paper-based system, enabling timely management of TB cases and evidence-based program implementation. SIM-TB represents the best model for implementing information systems in other public health programs