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Data management during COVID-19 outbreak response in Ghana: a reference laboratory perspective on key issues and
Evangeline Obodai1, George B Kyei1,2, James Aboagye1
1Virology Department. Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Off Akilagpa Sawyerr Road. PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Ghana Medical Journal
|March 2, 2022
Summary
Ghana faced COVID-19 data challenges at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Improvements in data management, including a barcoding system, enhanced reporting and accuracy for the pandemic response.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ghana experienced low to moderate COVID-19 transmission from March to July 2020.
- By August 24, 2020, Ghana recorded 43,622 confirmed cases and 263 deaths.
- The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) was the primary COVID-19 testing center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe challenges in COVID-19 data management and analysis in a laboratory setting.
- To recommend measures for improving data management during the pandemic.
- To highlight the impact of data gaps on timely reporting.
Main Methods:
- Review of data management procedures and systems at NMIMR.
- Implementation of a barcoding electronic capture system.
- Analysis of database gaps and inconsistencies.
Main Results:
- Initial data management challenges included sample-form mismatches, missing information, and data entry burdens.
- These gaps led to delays in reporting test results.
- Revamped procedures and a barcoding system improved data accuracy and turnaround time.
Conclusions:
- Effective data management is crucial for timely and accurate reporting during public health emergencies.
- Implementing robust systems like barcoding can resolve inconsistencies and improve laboratory surveillance.
- Continuous improvement of data management strategies is essential for pandemic response.
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