ICML 9

9º World Congress on Health Information and Libraries

Salvador, Bahia - Brazil, September, 20 to 23 - 2005

BVS4

4th Regional Coordination Meeting of the VHL

September, 19 to 20 - 2005

P55 - Data Collection: the source of accurate information

Sound health information is a primordial tool for decision making: it can describe the empirical world, find problems, and help to seek proper responses. In order to answer the demands and needs of policymakers, information must be accurate, requiring a well-structured information management process. This process comprises data collection, management, standardization (categories and concepts must be univocal), and dissemination.
The present study assesses the accuracy of Brazilian data on human poisonings, using data from a network of 34 Toxicological Information and Assistance Centers, consolidated by the National Poison Information System – SINITOX. Assuming that standardization is one of the main elements of data collection and analysis by SINITOX, the study assesses the operations of the Centers affiliated to the SINITOX in order to document and analyze the events reported to it. The need to manage human resources was highlighted as well as the key role of standardization in the process of registe ring and processing information. Our findings point to the need to comply with standardization, what requires comprehensive training and development of human resources. Sound information must inform proper public policies.