Evaluation of the Usability of the Immunization Information System in Brazil: A Mixed-Method Study

Spatial behavior of hepatitis A, MMR, and varicella vaccination coverage in the state of Minas Gerais, 2020

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the spatial behavior of hepatitis A, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and varicella vaccination coverage in children and its relationship with socioeconomic determinants in the state of Minas Gerais.

METHODS

This ecological study investigated records of doses administered to children, extracted from the Immunization Information System of 853 municipalities in Minas Gerais, in 2020. We analyzed the vaccination coverage and socioeconomic factors. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify spatial clusters and measure the relative risk based on the vaccination coverage indicator and the Bivariate Moran Index, and thus detect socioeconomic factors correlated with the spatial distribution of vaccination. We used the cartographic base of the state and its municipalities and the ArcGIS and SPSS software programs.

RESULTS

Hepatitis A (89.0%), MMR (75.7%), and varicella (89.0%) showed low vaccination coverage. All vaccines analyzed had significant clusters. The clusters most likely to vaccinate their population were mainly located in the Central, Midwest, South Central, and Northwest regions, while the least likely were in the North, Northeast, and Triângulo do Sul regions. The municipal human development index, urbanization rate, and gross domestic product were spatially dependent on vaccination coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial behavior of hepatitis A, MMR, and varicella vaccination coverage is heterogeneous and associated with socioeconomic factors. We emphasize that vaccination records require attention and should be continuously monitored to improve the quality of information used in services and research.

Factors associated with the use of a public information system of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Minas Gerais, Brazil

This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Uso do Sistema de Informação de Imunização do Brasil: qual a realidade?

Introdução: A informação em saúde é essencial na tomada de decisões no âmbito das políticas públicas e tem se apresentado como instrumento essencial na interpretação de fenômenos. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso do Sistema de Informação de Imunização pelos profissionais de enfermagem. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal analítico realizado num município da Macrorregião Oeste de Minas Gerais, com profissionais de enfermagem por meio de um checklist validado. Para análise, utilizou-se um sistema de escores, classificado como: adequado, parcialmente adequado, não adequado e crítico. A mediana foi utilizada como medida-resumo para a análise descritiva e o Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson, para comparação de proporções. Resultados: Dos 104 profissionais de enfermagem, 14,4% relatam fazer uso dos registros para a gestão da informação em vacinação, 93,3% realizam o controle de estoque dos imunobiológicos, sendo esta a única atividade classificada como adequada. A produção do relatório de listagem de faltosos (39,4%), produção do relatório de cobertura vacinal (36,5%) e divulgação das informações consolidadas produzidas (17,3%) foram classificados como críticos. Não houve associações estatisticamente significativas entre as variáveis estudadas. Discussão: A subutilização das informações do sistema de informação traz consequências para os serviços de imunização, como baixas coberturas vacinais e oscilações nas proporções de abandono, além dificultar o planejamento e a tomada de decisões dos gestores das salas de vacinação. Conclusões: O uso das informações dos sistemas de informação precisa ser reconhecido pelos profissionais como necessário, útil e aplicável, sendo parte do processo de trabalho em sala de vacinação.

Usability Evaluation by Nurses of a Knowledge-Based System of Care Plans for People Hospitalized by COVID-19

The aim of this study is to analyze the usability by nurses of the Knowledge-Based System "Diagnostics care for COVID-19." A convenience sample of 16 nurses was selected, among hospital workers and external experts. The group was divided into three subgroups intentionally to obtain different usability perspectives. Usability was evaluated by the System Usability Scale questionnaire. The participants completed the questionnaire on general usability, data inputs, and information output, after completing a minimum of 12 care plans. The first subgroup used real cases and the "think aloud" technique, the second simulated cases from the same hospital, and the third subgroup performed the external simulation. The highest scores were obtained in data inputs (94.38-97.50); and the lowest, in general usability (90.00-95.00). The subgroup of external experts scored the highest (93.13-95.63), and the first subgroup, which carried out real cases, gave the lowest score (90.00-94.38). The "think aloud" technique found an improvement in including more diagnoses and being able to carry out several plans for one person at the same time. The usability obtained was "excellent" in all subgroups and questionnaires, although the application showed limitations related to its characteristics imposed in the requirements specification.