Computerization of leprosy records: national leprosy recording and reporting system ...

Title:
Computerization of leprosy records: national leprosy recording and reporting system in China

Author:
Chen X, Li W, Jiang C, Zhu Z, Ye G

Address:
National Center for STD and Leprosy Control, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 12 Jiangwangmiao Road, Nanjing 210042, P. R. China

Source:
Leprosy Review, 2000 (71): 47-56

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To introduce a computerized system for management of leprosy recording and reporting data and its usefulness in leprosy control in China. METHOD: This paper describes the national system of leprosy recording and reporting in China and the computerization of records. RESULTS: The system was designed for data collection at local level and data entry by optically scanned or manual mode as well as for sophisticated data analysis. The major functions include data entry, data check, sum-up, maintenance, communication, inquiry, statistics, graph and print. A total of 17 options for epidemiological and clinical data analysis are available. Through the implementation for about 10 years, the system has gained widespread acceptance. This acceptance would facilitate introduction of computer analysis to other leprosy projects and other disease control programs in China. Up to 1998, a database of more than 740,000 records covering all the leprosy patients detected since 1949 had been established by this system. CONCLUSION: This computerized system is useful for management of leprosy data and for epidemiological studies on leprosy.

Key words: Leprosy; Computerized system; China

Language: English