Journal of the Office of DPC 12 Songkhla

API Covid-19 surveillance system evaluation in Narathiwat Province, Thailand, 2022

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The COVID-19 Surveillance System transitioned to an Application Program Interface (API) on June 1, 2022. This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study aimed to assess the system's quantitative and qualitative characteristics and provide improvement recommendations. Four hospitals in Narathiwat Province were selected for evaluation. Quantitative characteristics were assessed by reviewing 4,710 medical records, identifying 3,981 cases that met the case definition (patients who tested positive with ATK or RT-PCR between June 1 and December 31, 2022) and comparing them with the API-reported cases. Qualitative characteristics were evaluated through structured interviews with hospital administrators and staff involved in the reporting process. Of the 4,710 records reviewed, 2,210 cases were reported in the API, yielding a sensitivity of 55.51%. The API system recorded 2,631 cases, of which 2,210 met the case definition, giving a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83.99%. Mortality reporting accuracy was 0%, and timeliness of reporting was 93.22% from June to September and 97.55% from October to December. The hospital reported API data reflected sex, age, month of diagnosis, and district, but the Ministry-approved API data lacked time representativeness. Hospital staff found the API system easier to use than the previous one, reducing report preparation time and simplifying data submission across network levels. The system showed moderate sensitivity, with many patients not reported due to missing U07.1 and U07.2 diagnostic codes and incomplete retrospective data exports. To improve system performance and data accuracy, particularly for mortality, laboratory test results, and symptom onset dates, it is crucial to Improve awareness among physicians and staff about the correct use of diagnostic codes. refining reporting techniques and procedures is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of key data, including mortality records, laboratory test results, and symptom onset dates

Keywords: surveillance system evaluation, coronavirus 2019, API, Narathiwat Province.

Development of Drug Management System at Service Demonstration Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 7, Khon Kaen

Sarun Sophonsirikul — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

During operations at the Demonstration Service Center, Disease Prevention and Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen which provides treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and immunization services. However, issues with expired drugs have been identified. This research is mixed methods research aims to develop a drug inventory management system and reducing losses from expired medications by using the Design Thinking process. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, near-expiry drug report forms (within 6 months), and expired drug report forms. The study period spanned from 13 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. The sample group consists of personnel involved in drug inventory management at the Service Demonstration Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen. Qualitative analysis was conducted using content analysis and quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics (Wilcoxon Sign Rank test). The implementation of the drug inventory management system resulted in reduction in value of expired medications. For instance, in January 2024, an estimated 1,448 baht worth of expired medications was reduced to 700 baht (51.66% reduction). No expired medications were observed from February to May 2024, achieving a 100% reduction. The estimated expired value of 13,598 baht in July was reduced to 892 baht, a 93.44% reduction. A statistically significant difference between estimated and actual expired medication values was observed (P-value = 0.028). The development of a drug inventory management system significantly reduced the value of expired medications, particularly after a six-month stabilization period. Future studies could explore integrating advanced digital solutions for automated inventory forecasting or to determine appropriate procurement quantities more accurately.

Keywords: Development, Drug inventory management system, Expired drugs

Evaluation of Hand-foot-mouth disease surveillance system of Trang Hospital, Trang Province, 2024

Suppanut Chuaichana, Chainarong Makpeng — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In 2024, twenty-four percent (103/422) of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported through
the Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system by Trang hospital, the highest proportion among 24 hospitals in
Trang province. The study aimed to describe quantitative and qualitative attributes of the system and provide
recommendations to improve its efficiency. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the HFMD surveillance system in Thailand based on reports from January 1 to December 31, 2024. The study focused on hospital-based cases classified under ICD-10 codes B08.4 and B08.5. The evaluation was conducted using health service characteristics, including simplicity, flexibility, acceptance, sensitivity, predictive value, representativeness, and data quality. It also included an analysis of data completeness, timeliness, and stakeholder acceptance. The results show that 219 medical records reviewed 124 cases met the HFMD case definition, of which 96 cases were
reported through the DDS. The system’s sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) was 77.42% (96/124) and 97.96% (96/98), respectively. Among the reported cases, the data completeness was 100%. The data accuracy was 91.96% and showed good representativeness. The system was found to be simple, flexible, and acceptable. The system’s information was utilized effectively in monitoring HFMD trends and integration into disease prevention measures. The evaluation results indicate that the HFMD surveillance system at Trang integration is efficient. Training healthcare personnel in digital disease surveillance, promoting awareness of the case definition and encouraging timely reporting among stakeholders will improve the system's efficiency and contribute to better HFMD prevention and control.

Keywords: Surveillance system, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), Community Hospitals, Trang Province

Study on the Correlation Between Malaria Infection in Humans and iRBC Alerts on the Sysmex XN-10 Automated Hematology Analyzer

sukanya Binlee, Sarinna Rahad — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Malaria remains a major public health concern in various regions of Thailand, particularly in the southern provinces, where the incidence has shown a marked increase-from 170 reported cases in 2022 to 325 cases in 2023, reflecting a 47.69% rise. The predominant species in this area, Plasmodium knowlesi, is characterized by a shorter incubation period and rapid disease progression, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce both morbidity and transmission rates. Recent advancements in automated hematology analyzers, such as have introduced the capability to flag infected red blood cells (iRBCs), offering potential utility as a preliminary screening tool for malaria. However, evidence regarding its diagnostic performance remains limited.
This comparative study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of iRBC flagging relative to standard microscopic examination (thick and thin blood films). Between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, a total of 467 complete blood count (CBC) samples from patients clinically suspected of malaria were analyzed. Of these, 36 cases were confirmed to be malaria-positive via standard methods. The iRBC flag was observed in 34 of these confirmed cases, while 2 cases did not trigger the alert. No false positives were recorded. The iRBC flagging demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.44% and specificity of 100%. These findings indicate that iRBC flagging by the Sysmex XN-10 analyzer is a reliable and efficient tool for preliminary malaria screening. When used in conjunction with conventional diagnostic methods, it can enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely clinical intervention, contributing to improved disease management and control.

Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium, iRBC, XN-10

Investigation Report on Work-Related Lower Back Pain in Healthcare Personnel: A Case Study from the Occupational Medicine Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Thailand

MATURIN THAPTHIM-ON — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This case investigation was conducted by an occupational medicine physician from the Division of Occupational Medicine following the diagnosis of a healthcare worker in a surgical
intensive care unit with a herniated lumbar disc with nerve root compression-a condition potentially associated with repetitive physical exertion and improper working postures. The objective of this report is to conduct a case-specific investigation of lumbar disc herniation with nerve root compression by examining the relationship between occupational tasks and disease development, and to propose preventive strategies for musculoskeletal disorders in at-risk
populations. This descriptive study followed the ACOEM Practical Guidelines (2018) for investigating work-related illnesses. Data were collected through a comprehensive medical and occupational history, direct on-site observation of work activities, and ergonomic risk
assessments using standardized evaluation tools. The findings revealed that the healthcare worker’s tasks involved frequent forward bending, trunk twisting, and repeated manual patient handling-postures identified as high-risk for lower back injuries. Using a clinical prediction rule for diagnosing work-related low back pain in healthcare professionals, the subject scored 8 out of 13, indicating a moderate level of risk. Additionally, an exposure assessment based on the
Criteria for Determining the Work-Relatedness of nonspecific Low-Back Pain yielded a score of 14, corresponding to a 59% probability that the condition was work-related (above the 50% threshold for occupational attribution). Based on these findings, it is recommended that
mechanical assistive devices be used during patient handling, training in proper body mechanics be provided, and workplace environments be ergonomically adjusted to support safer working conditions. These interventions may be applicable to other healthcare workers performing
similar tasks.

Keywords: occupational disease, lumbar disc herniation, ergonomics, healthcare personnel, patient lifting