Headlines - Level of Computerization at Free Information, Screening, and Diagnostic Centers (CeGIDD): Results of the National Survey

Santé publique France has been tasked with the epidemiological surveillance of CeGIDD activities (Decree No. 2015-796 of July 1, 2015, regarding CeGIDDs for human immunodeficiency virus infections, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections).The order of July 1, 2015 specifies that "activity monitoring is ensured by a computer tool that allows for the tracking of consultations and the extraction of data necessary for activity and epidemiological monitoring."

The objective of the July 2016 survey was to assess the feasibility of extracting individual (non-identifiable) data collected during CeGIDD consultations and sending it electronically to Santé publique France. Of the 320 facilities throughout France, 183 (57%) participated in the survey, including 48 branch offices. All new regions are represented. The estimated activity in 2016 was higher in non-hospital CeGIDDs than in hospital CeGIDDs (4,700 vs. 2,300). An internet connection is available in 99% of CeGIDDs. Nearly 80% (n=144) of CeGIDDs have data entry software or plan to acquire it. The most commonly cited software is: Siloxane (23%), Excel (20%), or Cupidon/Epi-concept (10%). In the majority of facilities (75%), data are recorded immediately during the consultation. For the remaining CeGIDDs, the turnaround time is less than one month for 22% of the centers and exceeds one month for only 2% of CeGIDDs. Nearly two-thirds of CeGIDDs (64%) are able to provide an individual database.Among the CeGIDDs capable of providing individual data, only 43% report being able to perform the database recoding in full or in part. Nearly half of the CeGIDDs did not respond to this question, and 10% reported being unable to perform the database recoding.The obstacles cited as difficulties in recoding are, in order: lack of appropriate software, budget constraints, time constraints, and lack of database management skills.