METHODS: PHSKC requested the inclusion of additional test values in the ELR program (e.g., HCV RNA negative findings, FibroSURE results) and encouraged routine use of HCV reflex RNA testing by clinical laboratories and healthcare providers. An informatics strategy was developed to integrate: hepatitis electronic lab reports transmitted to PHSKC via XML from WA DOH; XML-based electronic lab and clinic data reported retrospectively (for the period 2013-15) and prospectively to PHSKC by five healthcare organizations; and hepatitis case reports submitted to PHSKC via manual, routine notifiable condition reporting. PHSKC’s CDDB was redesigned to match and de-duplicate records across data sources. A relational database structure was adopted, allowing lab and clinical data elements to be captured longitudinally.
RESULTS: We estimate that of the total volume of HCV laboratory records that were previously collected manually, 85% are now captured electronically. Electronic lab reporting provides additional information about confirmatory testing, staging, and treatment response, which were previously unavailable due to the resource demands of manual reporting. Establishing XML reporting of clinic and lab data was more resource-intensive than predicted, but all sites overcame challenges imposed by the reporting requirements.
CONCLUSIONS: Electronic data collection and corresponding modifications to our CDDB is expected to improve timeliness and completeness of HCV surveillance data, facilitate case management and linkage to care, and reduce reliance on resource-intensive manual data collection.