Medisur (Dec 2010)
Application of a geographical information system for information management on pulmonary tuberculosis
Abstract
Background: tuberculosis program is a priority for the National Health System in Cuba. The difficulties encountered in dealing with the disease are associated, directly or indirectly, to a restricted knowledge management by the health system. Objective: to implement a geographical information system to manage information on pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: retrospective, descriptive and correlational study conducted between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2007. It included the 155 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in 15 years old patients and on in the province of Cienfuegos. MapInfo 8.5 software was used to design the geographical information system. Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods were combined. Results: the elimination of the geographical aspect as an obstacle for carrying out preventive actions established in the program and for the stratification of pulmonary tuberculosis according to its incidence in districts and neighbourhoods of the city. Conclusions: the designed geographical information system is an auxiliary technological tool that improves information management on pulmonary tuberculosis in Cienfuegos as the basis for a variety of analysis and the generation of new knowledge.
