Lack of patient registration in the electronic TB register for sputum smear-positive patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2013 Sep;93(5):567-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tube.2013.05.001. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Abstract

Analysis of diagnostic smear positive records from the laboratory from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa shows that not all patients are counted in surveillance efforts. However, review of paper-based patient records suggests the majority of identified TB patients are being treated. Directly linking laboratory and clinical records would enhance surveillance information.

Keywords: Case finding; Sputum smear; Surveillance; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electronic Health Records / standards
  • Electronic Health Records / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification*
  • Population Surveillance / methods
  • Registries / standards*
  • Registries / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Sputum / microbiology*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*