Evaluation of Influenza surveillance system of Koh Lanta Hospital, Koh Lanta District, Krabi Province, 2022

Abstract

In 2022, Koh Lanta District experienced an increase in influenza cases. The coverage of Influenza
reported cases based on the epidemiological surveillance report (Report 506) in Koh Lanta Hospital was 42.6%.
Additionally, the transfer of responsibilities from the sub-district health promoting hospitals in the area to
the Provincial Administrative Organization may impact the influenza surveillance and control system. This study
aims to examine the disease reporting process, analyze the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the influenza
surveillance system, and provide guidelines for improving and developing an effective disease control system in
the area following the transfer of responsibilities to the Provincial Administrative Organization. A cross-sectional
study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. It involves a review of patient information reported
in the 506 reporting system related to influenza. The study examines inpatient data from medical records of
patients treated at Koh Lanta Hospital in 2022, focusing on cases coded under ICD-10: J09-J11. A total of 237
cases were identified, along with 348 patients presenting with diseases that have similar symptoms, as defined by
the Epidemiology Division. Additionally, interviews were conducted with individuals involved in the surveillance
system at all levels. The results of the study found that Among total of 585 medical records were evaluated
according to disease definitions and reporting guidelines. Of these, 286 cases generated 101 reports, showing
a low sensitivity of 10.50 percent. Only 74 cases met the criteria for disease surveillance, with a high positive
predictive value of 73.27 percent. All 74 reports were complete, with gender and diagnosis date accuracy at
100 percent, age accuracy at 94.06 percent, and timeliness also at 100 percent. While stakeholders recognized
the importance of disease reporting, continuity in reporting was affected by transfers from the Subdistrict Health
Promoting Hospital to the Provincial Administrative Organization, resulting in low data utilization at the latter level.
Overall, the influenza surveillance system at Koh Lanta Hospital is moderately effective, but improvements in
data sensitivity are needed. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on effectively communicating the guidelines
for implementing reporting definitions related to the disease surveillance system to all relevant personnel.
It is crucial to optimize the use of the surveillance system, which includes developing a disease reporting
framework to facilitate collaboration between public health agencies and provincial administrative organizations.
This approach will enable stakeholders to leverage information effectively in designing disease prevention and
control measures that are tailored to the specific needs of the area.