Abstract
Infectious disease surveillance is a primary public health function in resource-limited settings. In 2003, an electronic disease surveillance system (Alerta) was established in the Peruvian Navy with support from the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD). Many challenges arose during the implementation process, and a variety of solutions were applied. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss these issues. This is a retrospective description of the Alerta implementation. After a thoughtful evaluation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the main challenges to implementation were identified and solutions were devised in the context of a resource-limited setting, Peru. After four years of operation, we have identified a number of challenges in implementing and operating this electronic disease surveillance system. These can be divided into the following categories: (1) issues with personnel and stakeholders; (2) issues with resources in a developing setting; (3) issues with processes involved in the collection of data and operation of the system; and (4) issues with organization at the central hub. Some of the challenges are unique to resource-limited settings, but many are applicable for any surveillance system. For each of these challenges, we developed feasible solutions that are discussed. There are many challenges to overcome when implementing an electronic disease surveillance system, not only related to technology issues. A comprehensive approach is required for success, including: technical support, personnel management, effective training, and cultural sensitivity in order to assure the effective deployment of an electronic disease surveillance system.
Highlights
Infectious disease surveillance is a primary public health function in resource-limited settings
There are a number of pertinent objectives that can be addressed by an electronic disease surveillance system, including: (1) detection of outbreaks of disease; (2) monitoring trends in rates of disease or effectiveness of an intervention; (3) strengthening the local capabilities in outbreak detection and response; (4) facilitating the generation of hypotheses by stakeholders that require further scientific investigation [2]
The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss these challenges and the best methods to address them. This is a retrospective description of the Alerta implementation process
Summary
Infectious disease surveillance is a primary public health function in resource-limited settings. In 2003, an electronic disease surveillance system (Alerta) was established in the Peruvian Navy with support from the U.S Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD). Electronic systems facilitate disease surveillance by reducing delays in data availability and usage and by improving data processing and outbreak recognition. Implementing electronic surveillance is considerably more complex than applying new technology. There are a number of pertinent objectives that can be addressed by an electronic disease surveillance system, including: (1) detection of outbreaks of disease; (2) monitoring trends in rates of disease or effectiveness of an intervention; (3) strengthening the local capabilities in outbreak detection and response; (4) facilitating the generation of hypotheses by stakeholders that require further scientific investigation [2]. Self-sustainability beyond the initial investments is difficult to attain and is limited by insufficient funding and competing (often more immediate) priorities within strained health systems [3,4]
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