Final Report: FY 2021 TB Data Validation Activity in NCR, Region III, and Region IV-A

The activity aimed to follow up on the findings and recommendations of the FY 2020 TB DQA, validate reported performance data on selected tuberculosis (TB) indicators for the period of quarter (Q)1 and Q2 calendar year (CY) 2021, observe and review data management systems for selected TB indicators, identify issues and challenges in ensuring data quality of selected TB indicators, and recommend interventions to improve the data quality of TB. The data validation exercise involved interviewing respondents from three public facilities that deliver of TB services (DOTS), one public programmatic management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (PMDT) satellite treatment center (STC), one private DOTS facility, and one private PMDT facility. The data was reviewed with the health facility personnel, and a debriefing session was conducted to discuss the findings of the data validation activity. Inputs were also obtained from USAID's implementing partners (IPs), TB Platforms, and TB Innovation through email correspondence. The activity focused on selected TB indicators, including recording and reporting systems, training on Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS), consistency checks, bacteriological diagnosis coverage rate, childhood TB notifications, private sector TB notifications, contact investigation coverage rate, and TB Preventive Treatment enrollment. The findings of the 2020 DQA were compared with the 2021 data validation results to identify any discrepancies or improvements. The data validation activity revealed several issues and challenges in ensuring data quality of selected TB indicators, including incomplete or inaccurate data, inconsistent reporting, and inadequate training on ITIS. The activity also identified opportunities for improvement, including the need for enhanced data management systems, increased training and capacity building for health facility personnel, and improved collaboration between public and private sector facilities. Based on the findings of the data validation activity, several recommendations were made to improve the data quality of TB. These recommendations included the development of a data quality improvement plan, the provision of additional training and capacity building for health facility personnel, and the implementation of enhanced data management systems. The recommendations also emphasized the need for improved collaboration between public and private sector facilities, as well as the need for increased transparency and accountability in data reporting. The data validation activity was conducted remotely due to community quarantine restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the activity was able to gather valuable insights into the data quality of selected TB indicators and provide recommendations for improvement. The findings and recommendations of the activity will be used to inform future data quality improvement initiatives and to support the USAID/Philippines Office of Health (OH) in its efforts to improve the quality of performance data used by the Health Project (HP). The activity also highlighted the importance of data quality in the context of TB control and prevention. Accurate and reliable data are essential for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of TB control programs, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions about resource allocation and program implementation. The findings of the data validation activity underscore the need for continued investment in data quality improvement initiatives and for enhanced collaboration between public and private sector facilities to ensure that TB control programs are effective and sustainable. The activity was conducted in accordance with the USAID/Philippines Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting for Improved Health (CLAimHealth) activity's mandate to support the USAID/Philippines Office of Health (OH) in data quality assurance of performance data used by the Health Project (HP). The activity's findings and recommendations will be used to inform future data quality improvement initiatives and to support the USAID/Philippines Office of Health (OH) in its efforts to improve the quality of performance data used by the Health Project (HP).