AEGiS-05IAC: Electronic reporting system for AIDS surveillance in Canada.

5th International AIDS Conference

Montreal, Quebec, Canada — Jun 4-9, 1989

Electronic reporting system for AIDS surveillance in Canada.

Int Conf AIDS 1989 Jun 4-9; 5:176 (abstract no. A.591)
Nault P, Elmslie K; Federal Centre for AIDS, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of an electronic system for national reporting of AIDS surveillance data.

METHODS: AIDS is a reportable condition in all provinces and territories in Canada. Through collaborative efforts between the provincial/territorial Ministries of Health and National Health and Welfare, a systematic method of reporting AIDS cases was established using a standardized case report form.

RESULTS: The case report form was developed to collect demographic information, behavioural risk factors, clinical, and laboratory data. Completed forms are sent to the provincial/territorial Ministries of Health for evaluation and are then forwarded to the Federal Centre for AIDS. In 1986 the provinces/territories were introduced to an electronic bulletin board system, designed to facilitate data collection and dissemination. They were provided with custom computer software, and hardware where needed, to standardize the method of reporting cases electronically. Training workshops were provided to familiarize key groups with software and the process of transmitting data electronically.

CONCLUSIONS: This standardized method of reporting provides rapid collection of data and dissemination of reports. Effective communication between key groups plays an integral part in the success of this and other surveillance systems.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Canada, Computers, Software, Electronics, Risk Management, Data Collection, Clinical Laboratory Information Systems, Evaluation Studies, Program Evaluation, epidemiology, organization & administration, methods, economics, ICA5

890604
A591