Automated digital reporting of clinical laboratory information to national public health surveillance systems, results of a EU/EEA survey, 2018

Abstract

Background Timely reporting of microbiology test results is essential for infection management. Automated, machine-to-machine (M2M) reporting of diagnostic and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to public health agencies improves timeliness and completeness of communicable disease surveillance. Aim We surveyed microbiology data reporting practices for national surveillance of EU-notifiable diseases in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries in 2018. Methods European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) National Microbiology and Surveillance Focal Points completed a questionnaire on the modalities and scope of clinical microbiology laboratory data reporting. Results Complete data were provided for all 30 EU/EEA countries. Clinical laboratories used a LIMS in 28 countries. LIMS data on EU-notifiable diseases and AMR were M2M-reported to the national level in 14 and nine countries, respectively. In the 14 countries, associated demographic data reported allowed the de-duplication of patient reports. In 13 countries, M2M-reported data were used for cluster detection at the national level. M2M laboratory data reporting had been validated against conventional surveillance methods in six countries, and replaced those in five. Barriers to M2M reporting included lack of information technology support and financial incentives. Conclusion M2M-reported laboratory data were used for national public health surveillance and alert purposes in nearly half of the EU/EEA countries in 2018. Reported data on infectious diseases and AMR varied in extent and disease coverage across countries and laboratories. Improving automated laboratory-based surveillance will depend on financial and regulatory incentives, and harmonisation of health information and communication systems.

Will coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have an impact on antimicrobial resistance?

“…Unfortunately, more recent data are not yet available from these networks to assess the impact of COVID-19 on AMR. As of December 2018, only nine EU/EEA countries used machine-to-machine links for reporting data from clinical laboratory information management systems to a national database on EU-notifiable diseases and on AMR, respectively [ 26 ]. While the collection and analysis of certain data requires time, we obviously need to implement systems for AMR surveillance in Europe that can obtain data and provide results much faster, taking as examples those that have already been implemented or are being tested in some European countries or projects [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Web-based, rapid and contactless management of ambulatory patients for SARS-CoV-2-testing

“…The utilization of a web-based application provides new perspectives for the future of the healthcare system in general and specifically with regard to future pandemics regardless of their aetiology. Add-ons such as automated timely reporting to public healthcare institutions in accordance with any legislation could be implemented [ 26 ]. This might further decrease work load and optimize personnel allocation during a critical pandemic situation in the near future.…”

Web-based, rapid and contactless management of ambulatory patients for SARS-CoV-2-testing

“…The utilization of a web-based application provides new perspectives for the future of the healthcare system in general and speci cally with regard to future pandemics regardless of their aetiology. Add-ons such as automated timely reporting to public healthcare institutions in accordance with any legislation could be implemented (26). This might further decrease work load and optimize personnel allocation during a critical pandemic situation in the near future.…”