Quality of tuberculosis records in the notifiable diseases information: perspectives of district supporters and typists

Abstract

Despite multiple efforts around the world, tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem and a major challenge for countries with a higher burden of the disease. The TB epidemiological surveillance (ES) system plays a key role in TB prevention and control activities. The aim of this study was to get to know the perspective of technical supporters and typists on the recording of tuberculosis data in SINAN in a capital city in the north of the country. This is a qualitative, exploratory study carried out with eight technical supporters and typists. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews between January and June 2022 and subjected to thematic analysis. They were expressed in two categories: Commitment to data quality and Challenges in filling in and searching for information. The main limitations of the data records are related to the quality of the data sent by the basic health units and the lack of coordination between the recording systems. There are weaknesses at various points in the system, pointing to the need for investment in integrating the recording systems, raising awareness among professionals about how to fill in the information properly, and developing computerized strategies to optimize the recording process.