Evaluation of the Accuracy of Tuberculosis Surveillance System by Comparison with Medical Record in Korea

Objective: To define the accuracy of notified patients data to tuberculosis(TB) surveillance system and to analyze factors influencing accuracy of notified TB data. Methods: This study analyzed results of nationwide medical records review(NMRR) and notified TB patients data to TB surveillance system(TBNET). To assess accuracy of data, compared with sputum smear test results of NMRR and those of TBNET. Socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and examination results for TB diagnosis were compared whether notified correctly or not. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between independent variables and the accuracy of notified TB data. P Results: Among 15,441 TB cases notified in 2008, the sputum smear results of 4,771 cases notified to the TBNET incorrectly. Kappa coefficient was 0.5358. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed factors as below are significant: age, type of national health insurance, classification of TB patients, drug resistance, sputum culture test, smear test other than sputum, TB PCR, histologic examination, X-ray examination and notification delay period. The aOR of inaccuracy increased with 3.3 times higher for transfer-in TB case comparing with failure TB case. Conclusions: The strength of accuracy for TBNET was assessed as moderate level. Regular assessment of notified data will be requested.