Use of electronic medical records to conduct surveillance of malaria among Peace Corps volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The Peace Corps' disease surveillance for Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) was incorporated into an electronic medical records (EMR) system in 2015. We evaluated this EMR-based surveillance system, focusing particularly on malaria as it is deadly but preventable.

Materials and methods

In 2016, we administered a survey to Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMOs), who manage PCVs' medical care, and semistructured phone interviews to headquarters staff. We assessed the structure of the surveillance system and its utility to stakeholders, evaluated surveillance case definitions for malaria, and compared clinical information in the EMR for malaria cases captured by surveillance during the first half of 2016.

Results

Of 131 PCMOs, 77 (59%) completed the survey. Of 53 res

SUBMITTER: Davlantes E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6994016 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature