Quality of the notification process of communicable diseases in a tertiary care hospital and MOH areas.

D.D.N.W Gunarathne; D.P. Gunawardhana; P.J.A. Gunawardhana; I.K Jinasena; D.A.C Amarasinghe; K Wanigasooriya; BCV Senarathna

Authors

D.D.N.W Gunarathne Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
D.P. Gunawardhana Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
P.J.A. Gunawardhana Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
I.K Jinasena Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
D.A.C Amarasinghe Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
K Wanigasooriya Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
BCV Senarathna Facuty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the proportion of notifiable communicable diseases notified in a tertiary care hospital in Colombo District, to describe the quality of completed notification forms sent out from this hospital and received by some selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Colombo district, to describe the delay in delivery of notification forms from ward to the selected MOH offices.

Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, assessing 400 notifiable cases admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH). Delivery period of notifications was determined based on the date of completing notification form and date of receipt at the relevant MOH office. Three pre-piloted data extraction forms were used to collect data from BHTs, Institutional Notification Register of CSTH, and notifications forms received at the MOH offices.

Results: Only 32.5% of 400 notifiable cases were notified. Only 8.9% were completed on the day of suspicion. Only 69% of the notification forms mailed from the hospital to the selected 5 MOH areas had been received. All notification forms received were complete. Out of received notification forms, 17.8%, 48.9%, 33.3% respectively, were received within 2 to 4 days, 5 to 7 days and after 7 days from the date of completing the notification form.

Conclusion: Low level of notification of notifiable communicable diseases and the delay of delivery of notification forms from the ward to the MOH offices could hamper the programs aimed at prevention of notifiable diseases. Adequate and effective remedial measures are required to enhance capability of the health sector to contain notifiable diseases.