Research on Disease Monitoring Information System in University Hospitals

Abstract

Developing effective and efficient surveillance and response systems is important for national, regional and global health security. Furthermore, functioning surveillance systems are necessary for the success of global health initiatives. Objectives: To upgrade health information system in al-azhar university hospitals and maximizing its role in diseases surveillance and utilization of collected data through assessment of the multidimensional aspects of health information system and reinforcing its role in support of diseases surveillance. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in elhussien and bab-elshearia university hospitals selected randomly from al-azhar university hospitals in cairo. The sample included 56 non-medical personnel which were responsible for diseases surveillance and 360 doctors & nurses selected by stratified random sample from selected departments which are related to notifiable diseases. Results: The results of the present study showed weak functionality levels of data analysis, dissemination of information, feedback and presentation of information. The overall levels of utilization of information, supervision and training in disease surveillance are also weak. All departments send paper forms to the higher levels and don’t use electronic information system in disease surveillance. The majority of the studied doctors and nurses notified the health authorities on notifiable diseases but only about have of them follow the guidelines and ever saw a disease notification form. Recommendations: The study highlighted the need to assign adequate human resources for disease surveillance units within departments and should be equipped with basic information & communication technology equipment. Continuous training for the medical and non-medical staff should be given regularly in a planned manner.