Development of an Electronic Information System for the Management of Laboratory Data of Tuberculosis and Atypical Mycobacteria at the Pasteur Institute in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis remains a public health problem despite all the efforts madeto eradicate it. To strengthen the surveillance system for this condition, it is necessary tohave a good data management system. Indeed, the use of electronic information systemsin data management can improve the quality of data. The objective of this project was toset up a laboratory-specific electronic information system for Mycobacteria and AtypicalTuberculosis.Methods: The design of this laboratory information system required a general understandingof the workflow and the implementation processes in order to generate a realistic model. Forthe implementation of the system, Java technology was used to develop a web applicationcompatible with the intranet of the company. The impact and the acceptability of the use ofthe system on the running of the laboratory were evaluated using Likert scale.Results: The system in place has been in operation for about 12 months, in conjunction withthe paper registers. Since then, 4811 requests for examinations concerning 6083 samples have been registered. The results of analysis of 3892 patients were printed from the Laboratory information system. In order to produce tuberculosis drug resistance reports and laboratory performance reports, dashboards have been developed.Conclusion: The system has been adopted by the staff because of the time and efficiencygained in managing laboratory data. However, obtaining an optimized tool will only be donein a cycle of sustained improvement.Keywords: Clinical laboratory information systems, Public health, Tuberculosis