Influenza Surveillance System Evaluation In Bangkhla Hospital, Chachoengsao Province, 2023

Abstract

In 2022, Bangkhla Hospital reported 56 cases of influenza, and in 2023, the number increased to 320 cases, showing a 5.71-fold rise. Initially, diagnoses were based on symptoms and exposure history. Since October 1, 2022, Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) have been available. Therefore, an evaluation of the influenza surveillance system was conducted to describe the system, its quantitative and qualitative attributes, and to provide recommendations for its development. This descriptive study reviewed 1,036 medical records of influenza patients and related diseases from January 1 to December 31, 2023. The disease reporting process was assessed through in-depth interviews. The study found that the sensitivity was 11.36% (95%CI = 10.20-12.60), indicating a need for improvement, and the predictive positive value was 97.50%. The variables including gender, age, ethnicity, patient type, onset date, and diagnosis date were recorded with 100% completeness. The address variable had 99.06% completeness. The accuracy was 100% for gender and age, and 99.05%, 97.12%, 96.79%, and 46.47% for address, ethnicity, patient type, and onset date, respectively. All disease reports were submitted within 3 days. The surveillance system was found to be representative for gender and age, but only moderately representative for residential address and onset. In terms of qualitative attributes, staff recognized the importance of the surveillance system but were unaware that influenza was a notifiable disease, considering it to be a mild illness. The system was deemed simple and flexible. The data were used for disease prevention and control and were presented at various meetings to inform the network. An epidemiological team conducted a meeting to explain the surveillance system to staff. Laboratory personnel were advised to report RIDT-positive patients directly to the epidemiological team. All variables should be checked for accuracy before reporting. A hotline alert system should be designed for rapid and complete reporting. The Provincial Public Health Office should conduct random sensitivity assessments of the influenza surveillance system in other hospitals in Chachoengsao Province.