Quality Assessment of an Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System in a Province of Nepal
Jyoti Acharya1, Maria Zolfo2, Wendemagegn Enbiale3,4
1National Public Health Laboratory, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem, and Nepal is no exception. Countries are expected to report annually to the World Health Organization on their AMR surveillance progress through a Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, in which Nepal enrolled in 2017. We assessed the quality of AMR surveillance data during 2019-2020 at nine surveillance sites in Province 3 of Nepal for completeness, consistency, and timeliness and examined barriers for non-reporting sites. Here, we present the results of this cross-sectional descriptive study of secondary AMR data from five reporting sites and barriers identified through a structured questionnaire completed by representatives at the five reporting and four non-reporting sites. Among the 1584 records from the reporting sites assessed for consistency and completeness, 77-92% were consistent and 88-100% were complete, with inter-site variation. Data from two sites were received by the 15th day of the following month, whereas receipt was delayed by a mean of 175 days at three other sites. All four non-reporting sites lacked dedicated data personnel, and two lacked computers. The AMR surveillance data collection process needs improvement in completeness, consistency, and timeliness. Non-reporting sites need support to meet the specific requirements for data compilation and sharing.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in Nepal shows data quality issues. Improvements in completeness, consistency, and timeliness are needed, especially at non-reporting sites.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health Security
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat.
- Nepal participates in the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GARS) since 2017.
- Effective AMR surveillance is crucial for national and global health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of AMR surveillance data in Province 3, Nepal, from 2019-2020.
- To identify barriers hindering data reporting from surveillance sites.
- To provide recommendations for improving AMR surveillance data quality.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional descriptive study analyzing secondary AMR data from nine surveillance sites.
- Data quality assessment focused on completeness, consistency, and timeliness for 1584 records.
- Barriers were identified using a structured questionnaire for representatives of reporting and non-reporting sites.
Main Results:
- Data completeness ranged from 88-100% and consistency from 77-92% among reporting sites, with variations.
- Timeliness of data submission was a significant issue, with delays averaging 175 days at some sites.
- Non-reporting sites faced challenges including lack of dedicated data personnel and computer access.
Conclusions:
- The AMR surveillance data collection process in Nepal requires enhancement in completeness, consistency, and timeliness.
- Non-reporting sites need targeted support for data compilation and sharing to meet GARS requirements.
- Strengthening national AMR surveillance systems is essential for effective AMR containment.
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