Skip to main content

Table 4 Challenges described for the four integration mechanisms (n = 29 studies)

From: A systematic review on integration mechanisms in human and animal health surveillance systems with a view to addressing global health security threats

Integration mechanism

Challenge

References

Interconnectivity

Heterogeneity of data sources may affect the results of the system.

[78]

Limited knowledge of terms of reference, surveillance procedures, and case definitions.

[50]

False positives.

[70, 95, 115]

Interoperability

Linkage and management of heterogeneous data.

[79, 80]

Slow adoption of technologies.

[52]

Limited resources.

[55, 111]

The installation of systems can be complex and expensive.

[80]

Semantic consistency

Heterogeneity of data sources may affect the results of the system.

[121]

Low compliance with standard operational procedures.

[63, 75]

Incomplete integration.

[34, 53]

Convergent

Poor data management systems.

[66, 108]

Limited laboratory capacity.

[66, 109, 125]

Different data and reporting policies among participating institutions.

[108]

Quantity and complex nature of data.

[76]

Organizational and structural barriers.

[39, 123]

Incomplete integration.

[68, 108]

Limited awareness of the standard case definition of a disease.

[36]