Improving Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance and Data Management in Arizona Through an Evaluation of the Transition to a New Surveillance System.

Abstract

The Arizona Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) worked with internal teams to identify opportunities for improvement in data quality and data management processes during the transition of lead poisoning surveillance into Arizona's communicable disease surveillance system. A pretransition review led to the determination of key strategies based on feasibility to implement and potential for impact on program operations. The strategies included standardizing reporting methods, automating data processing, and centralizing data management. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program evaluated pre- and posttransition data management processes to determine whether improved efficiency was achieved. To evaluate the key strategies, indicators regarding data flow, data capture, and surveillance capacity were used. The key strategies were successful in improving data quality and efficiency. In addition, the implementation of these strategies has increased engagement among reporters, expanded surveillance capacity, and established a foundation to better understand lead poisoning challenges affecting Arizonan children.