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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Towards effective outbreak detection: a qualitative study to identify factors affecting nurses’ early warning surveillance practice in Solomon Islands

Authors: Adam T. Craig, Cynthia A. Joshua, Alison R. Sio, Michael Lauri, John Kaldor, Alexander E. Rosewell, Gill Schierhout

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Intelligence generated by a surveillance system is dependent on the quality of data that are collected. We investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses responsible for outbreak early warning surveillance data collection in Solomon Islands to identify factors that influence their ability to perform surveillance-related tasks with rigour.

Methods

We interviewed 12 purposively selected surveillance nurses and conducted inductive analysis on resulting data.

Results

Interviewees were knowledgeable and willing to contribute to the surveillance system. Constraining factors included the perception that surveillance was less important than patient care and could be ‘deferred’ during busy periods and wide variability in the application of case definitions. Motivating factors were frequent in-clinic training, formal recognition for good performance, incentives and designation of a focal point. Nurses held mixed views about the effect of mobile technologies on surveillance practice.

Conclusions

This study identified several challenges to consistent and accurate data collection and reporting. Engagement of different parts of the health system, including human resources and health facilities’ management, is needed to address these challenges.

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Title: Towards effective outbreak detection: a qualitative study to identify factors affecting nurses’ early warning surveillance practice in Solomon Islands
Authors: Adam T. Craig
Cynthia A. Joshua
Alison R. Sio
Michael Lauri
John Kaldor
Alexander E. Rosewell
Gill Schierhout
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3508-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Towards effective outbreak detection: a qualitative study to identify factors affecting nurses’ early warning surveillance practice in Solomon Islands

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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