Timeliness of case reporting after implementation of internet-based reporting of communicable diseases in Fujian province

Objective To analyze the timeliness of communicable disease case reporting by internet-based reporting system in Fujian and provide evidence for the improvement of internet-based reporting. Methods VFP data base language was used to develop special statistical program, for the statistical analysis of interval between card filling time by doctors and card producing time. Results The analysis of 1 163 546 report cards of communicable diseases from the medical facilities in Fujian from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2009 was conducted. Up to 928 156 cards were reported on that day (79.77%), and 169 598 cards were reported on next day, The average timely reporting rate was 94.35%. Conclusion After the implementation of internet-based reporting of communicable disease, the timeliness of reporting increased by years. The timeliness rate of reporting varied by regions and was higher in working days than rest days (Saturday and Sunday), for class A than class B diseases and for general hospitals than CDCs and health centers.