Data management in health emergencies: a retrospective analysis of laboratory performance and data quality in Papua New Guinea, 2020–2025 — The Association Specialists
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  3. Data management in health emergencies: a retrospective analysis of laboratory performance and data quality in Papua New Guinea, 2020–2025

Data management in health emergencies: a retrospective analysis of laboratory performance and data quality in Papua New Guinea, 2020–2025 (23866)

Kathryn Mackey 1 2 3 , Janet Gare 3 , Sarah Javati 3 , Giwai Danny 3 , Debbie Kisa 3 , Nicholas Bing 3 , Becky George 3 , William Pomat 3 , Pamela Toliman 3
  1. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London , London, United Kingdom
  2. City St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
  3. Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, Papua New Guinea

Background: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) health system was already under-resourced, with limited laboratory capacity. Despite these challenges, the National Department of Health maintained an operational, WHO-accredited National Influenza Centre (NIC) housed at the PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR). This existing platform enabled PNG to rapidly pivot to in-country COVID-19 testing. Our study explores the NIC’s contribution to the COVID-19 response and examines facilitators and barriers to inform future responses. 

Methods: We conducted a structured data quality audit, hand-reviewing a random sample of case report forms against the digital register to assess completeness of data and accuracy of data entry. We then conducted a retrospective analysis of the register (2020-2025), using descriptive statistics to summarise demographic, geographic and temporal trends in COVID-19 testing, laboratory performance and capacity. Strengths and areas for improvement were identified and triangulated with reflections from PNGIMR and other health service staff. 

Results: The first in-country SARS-CoV-2 test was conducted in February 2020. In total, 28,969 tests were reported from 2020 to 2025, of which 2,146 were positive (test positivity rate of 8%). Testing throughput peaked at 3,158 tests per month in August 2020. Median turnaround time from case investigation to result reporting was 13 days (IQR:6-21 days). 48% of samples were received from facilities in Eastern Highlands Province or the National Capital District, indicating testing accessibility issues in other provinces. Challenges identified in the data quality audit included missing or conflicting data, in part due to changing data collection forms and a lack of data validation, and delays in receiving some tests.  

Conclusions: Rapidly scaling COVID-19 testing in PNG was a significant public health achievement. Our findings call for greater attention to data quality, governance and management across the surveillance system and ensuring accessibility of testing and healthcare during emergencies.