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

Abstract

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.