Evaluation of the Emergency Reporting System of Animal Disease in KSA - Research Proposal Example

 Topic: EVALUATION OF THE EMERGENCY REPORTING SYSTEM OF ANIMAL DISEASE IN KSA Abstract The Centre for information and emergency provides a link between ministry and field officers in response to the treatment of both isolated and outbreak of animal disease. Effective response to disease outbreak requires effective sharing of information between field officers and agents at the central information and emergency systems. Timely response to a disease outbreak is a function of available information and coordination whilst poor response to animal disease has an overall effect on the health effects on the human population. With this problem established, the research proposal will investigate constraints and impacts of emergency response to animal diseases in KSA. Data will be collected from 25 veterinarians stationed across 25 locations throughout KSA through the use of a structured questionnaire. Responding to the questionnaire will be performed as the vet answer questions only and after that saved and archived on the system. This means that the questionnaire is filled through the system and not a paper. STATA program will be used for data analysis. The questionnaire will measure a dependent variable of time used in closing reported cases as against independent variables of availability of medical supplies and tools, availability of transportation, system functionality, climatic conditions, and terrain and difficulty of access to the site. Through the statistical analysis from the STATA programme, it should be able to draw correlation between dependent variable and independent variables to know the major causes of delay in closing reports. The study is expected to establish that adoption of modern technologies in information sharing accelerates response rate to field emergency. Mobile based devices, information surveillance systems and continuous training of field officers acts as information catalyst. Information is a positive catalyst in responding to field emergencies. The speed of response to a field emergency depends on the level and efficacy of information sharing between the central information and emergency systems and field veterinary officers. Contents Abstract 1 Chapter One 4 Introduction 4 Background 4 Problem statement 4 Relevance of research project 5 Research questions 5 Chapter Two 6 Literature Review 6  The concept of animal disease information 6 Promoting animal health through Animal disease information systems 7 Component of animal disease emergency preparedness plan 8 Chapter three 9 Research Methods  9 Study design 9 Subjects 10 Inclusion/exclusion criteria 10 Sampling 11 Recruitment plans 11 Method of assignment to study groups 12 Data collection 12 Variables: outcomes, predictors, confounders 12 Measures/instruments 13 Procedures 13 Intervention  14 Statistical considerations 14 Sample size 14 Data analysis 14 Software 15 Analytical plan 15 Ethical Considerations 15 Limitations/Expected outcome/dissemination plan 16 Work Plan (use Gantt chart) 17 Budget 18 References 19 Appendix 22 Chapter One Introduction Background The Ministry of Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides and passes information to field veterinarian through the central chamber of information and emergency. Communication to the field veterinarian is through modern communication channels such as Communication to field veterinarian must be prompt so that appropriate decisions can be made very quickly. Information on animal diseases is usually sent to the field veterinary officer for necessary action. The reporting system involves use of electronic reporting system. The core responsibility of the field veterinary officer is to respond swiftly to the information in order to deal with the local situation. Mobile based technologies, effective surveillance systems and well trained field veterinary officers assist in the effective sharing of field information between field veterinary officers and central information and emergency systems. Problem statement The important of prompt response to information provided by the ministry has been outline above. The time response from the time that a field has been informed of a problem (eg a disease) and the veterinarian response is critical delayed response from the veterinarian may result in spread of the disease. At present there is no information about the response time of field veterinarian when alerted of a disease in the field. There is also no information about the time frame between the veterinarian response and the reporting of action taken by the veterinarian. Hence the aim of this study is to measure the time frame for veterinarian response to of disease problem in the field. Relevance of research project The kingdom of Saudi Arabia represents a market with rapid development. This deveiopment requires use of modern technology. Animal diseases are very common due to poor sharing of information between field officers and the officials in the ministry of agriculture. Poor sharing of information leads to slow response to disease outbreak and related emergencies in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Non- sharing of information also mean delayed. Response to veterinarian disease emergencies in the field which could result in spread of disease from animal to animal and from animal to human. The ministry is looking to address the issue of sharing important information so that prompt action can be take by veterinarians. In order to improve the sharing of information and ways of sharing that information, it is necessary to explore the response time under the current practice.) Research questions a. What is the length of time of response by field veterinarians from the time they receive report to the time of being to site of the disease? b. What is the impact of information and emergency systems on the speed of response from visit location to closing of case. Chapter Two Literature Review  The concept of animal disease information The concept of animal disease information is considered part of the World Organisation for Animal Health’s initiatives for the promotion of quality animal health (Scudamore & Harris, 2002). The rationale for the concept emanates from the reasoning that where there is sufficient disease information about animals, it is possible to get the best form of disease treatment for animals (Weldemeskel & Ashenafi, 2003). Kroschewski et al. (2006) therefore posited that animal disease information is a practice that is necessary for lay people as well as those given professional training to handle animals and deal with animal diseases. Babalobi (2007) supported the notion that animal disease information should be extent to include the public as stakeholders by explaining most animals, especially those that have their habitant within human settlements are found with ordinary people who keep them as pets and for other domestic use. People of this, it is important that such ordinary people keeping animals will have adequate knowledge and information about animal disease so that they will know the most fundamental and initial steps to take when signs of disease surface. Engel, Choi, Theller and Lim (2004) on the other hand criticised the idea of putting animal disease information in the hands of non-professionals, fearing that this could be an avenue for people to attempt diagnosing and treating animals when indeed they do not have the professional competence to do so. With caution taken, it will be understood that animal disease information can best be given when the recipient is told exactly what he or she has the right to do and what he or she does not have the right to do. Promoting animal health through Animal disease information systems Animal disease information system (ADIS) is an advanced form of animal disease information, aimed at providing information systems specially dedicated for animal disease (Norstrom, 2001). As an information system, the ADIS is used as a platform where detailed information by disease and country are gathered and stored in a common database (Dessie & Jobre, 2004). In order to ensure accuracy of the system, there is periodic review of the system to ensure that it is based on at least six-monthly or annual reports submitted to the right people having the authority and professional knowledge to handle data. Unlike animal disease information, the ADIS is not expected to be for public use but does not exclude members of the public as stakeholders. For example members of the public are considered clients whose needs are served through the information stored in the database. In the KSA, the Central Chamber of information and emergency is responsible for the country’s ADIS, having a database of different animal disease information based on animal type and disease. In literature, one major issue that is commonly discussed about ADIS has to do with whether to centralise or decentralise the information system. Supporting the need for a centralised ADIS, Willeberg (1980) opined that a centralised system ensures that monitoring is effective and easy to be carried out. Renter (2002) however criticised the centralised system, indicating that it hampers on efficiency, whereby delays are caused in the implementation of disease assistance programmes. With decentralised systems, a country may be divided into different regions, each of which would have its own system to enhance accessibility. Sprague and Carlson (1982) opined that the time spent from the arrival of report to the system to the time that a veterinarian is called to act on the report is very important and can best be achieved when there is a decentralised system in place. Component of animal disease emergency preparedness plan Priester (2005) opined that having ADIS is a good step towards ensuring the welfare of animals but that alone does not guarantee efficiency. For there to be efficiency therefore, the use of animal disease emergency preparedness plan is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). As part of its corporate document repository, the FAO noted that a preparedness plan is necessary because it ensures that the stakeholders responsible for the promotion of animal health in countries are not taken by surprise in responding to any animal health issue (FAO, 2014). To ensure comprehensiveness, the FAO recommends that a preparedness plan will comprise certain crucial components. The first of this is disease surveillance, which refers to the practice of investigating and looking out for early warning of disease, planning and monitoring of disease (FAO, 2014). Supporting this component, Wurtz and Popovich (2002) stressed that surveillance is relevant in animal disease emergency because it ensures preventive care, where signs of diseases are identified early enough and prevented from escalating. The second component recommended by the FAO is the use of emergency disease reporting and information system. As the name suggests, this is a system that provides a common platform where all information on pertaining to animal health can be reported for further expert action and intervention. One other important component for a preparedness plan is the training of veterinarians and other animal health staff. This is a practice that has been said to be highly important as it ensures that professionals responsible for animal health are always up-to-date skills and knowledge about the best approaches to use in addressing animal health issues (Ward, Maftei, Apostu & Suru, 2007). Last but not least, the issue of farmer awareness and education has been considered to be very necessary as it ensures that farmers will become knowledgeable stakeholders who will know the right form of information to give to health experts when they use reporting systems (Russell, Rowlands, Shaw & Weaver, 1982). Chapter three Research Methods  Study design The proposed study is a cross-sectional study, meaning the researcher shall undertake an observational study involving the analysis of data sampled from a population set at a specific point in time (Fisher, 2010). In line with the collective cross-sectional study, the researcher shall use interpretivism research philosophy, which shall offer the researcher the opportunity of constructing knowledge by focusing on the exploration of the topic through the collection of data from different sources (Sapsford & Jupp, 2006). All data collected shall then be critically interpreted in a manner that helps in establishing research conclusion about the state of emergency reporting system of animal disease in KSA. One major rationale for selecting the use of cross-sectional study is the fact that it comes with the advantage of having a detailed understanding of a problem that has existed within an identified research setting within a specific time frame. This way, it will be possible to design an intervention that directly addresses the problem within the time frame for which the time has existed. In respect to the proposed study, the researcher will be able to understand the major hindrances to rapid reporting of animal disease to the Central Chamber of information and emergency and then design a system that addresses the challenges. Subjects Inclusion/exclusion criteria In order to ensure that the subjects used in the study are those with the most useful forms of data that can be used in constructing a conclusion on the evaluation of the emergency reporting system of animal disease currently in place at KSA, an inclusion/exclusion criteria will be set. The exclusion criteria will be to exclude all officers whose reporting task focus on purpose-bred animals. The reason for this is that The Animal Act prohibits the use of purpose-bred animals such as rats and mice in research of this nature. Instead of the use of purpose-bred animals, pets will be preferred and included. Sampling The sampling of the study will be through a random sampling technique. Riley et al. (2010) explained a random sampling as one in which all people within the included population has an equal chance of becoming part of the sample size. The random sampling technique has been considered ideal and appropriate because it enhances fair and unbiased inclusion of subjects, which in effect promotes the internal validity of the study (Yin, 2009). Internal validity is promoted through random sampling because the study collects the kind of data expected, instead of manipulating the outcome of the study with the selection of preferential subjects or participants (Smith, 2011). Recruitment plans In line with the random sampling technique, the researcher shall use a fish-bowl recruitment plan in sampling 25 participants who in turn will produce 500 reports for the study over a period of five months. It will be noted that there are 25 assigned locations of the Central Chamber of information and emergency’s call centre throughout KSA. From each of these 25 locations, there will be 1 respondent included in the study. As part of the fish-bowl method, the researcher shall write the names of all officers at each location who qualify for the inclusion criteria set for the study. The names will then be mixed up in a bowl, after which one name shall be picked at random without looking into the bowl. The name selected from each location will become part of the sample size. Method of assignment to study groups The study shall not involve any study groups as the major data collection procedure will be through a survey, where each respondent will have the chance of acting independently as a contributor to the study. The implication here is that even though the respondents will be coming from specific veterinary offices through KSA, their respondents will be the outcome of their personal reports through the period of five months. Data collection Variables: outcomes, predictors, confounders In order to have an accurate evaluation of the emergency reporting system in use in KSA, it will be important to set dependent and independent variables around which data will be analyzed. The dependent variable to be used in the study will be the time of reporting cases of animal disease to veterinarian. This is because the dependent variable is the output or effect that is tested (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2003). What this implies is that the researcher will be concerned with finding how the independent variables impact on the time of reporting animal diseases. To this end, the independent variables shall include availability of medical supplies and tools, availability of transportation, system functionality, climatic conditions, and terrain and difficulty of access to the site. The independent variables will thus act as predictors of the dependent variable, which will be the outcome. Ability of call centre operators is expected to act as confounder because it could correlate with both the dependent and independent variable (Remenyi, Williams, Money & Swartz, 2008). Measures/instruments With the goal of collecting 500 reports within 5 months from the 25 respondents, the researcher shall use a questionnaire and report checklist as the major data collection instruments. The questionnaire shall be a set of written questions presented to the respondents to be answered through writing (Robson, 2012). Through the questionnaire, the researcher will be able to collect data that serve as measures for the dependent variable and all the independent variables. This is because as seen in the appendix the questionnaire contains questions on the time used in reporting calls or cases of animal disease received to veterinarian. The lines of questions on closing the report of animal diseases will serve as measure for the dependent variable. The questionnaire also contains questions that seek to find reasons for possible delays, which focus on such factors as medical supplies and tools, transportation, system malfunction, climatic change, and terrain and difficulty of access to the site. These lines of questions on the reasons for delay will also become measures for the independent variables. Test-retest reliability has been used by giving the questionnaire to a mock sample group, whose responses helped in arriving at the final set of questions. Procedures The major procedure for data collection is through survey and report case study. The survey involves collection of opinions and data from respondents pertaining to the how quick they are able to link cases of animal disease from the call centre to the veterinarian in-charge. It would be noted that the Central Chamber of information and emergency has a system called the call centre, used for receiving case reports from the public on animal disease. Ideally, the reports are expected to be taken by an agent at the call centre who saves the information and tasks the system to assign a unique code, which is later directly sent to the veterinarian via SMS or e-mail. Depending on the speed for doing this, the veterinarian is able to trace the location in field and go there for assistance. Certain hindrances however impede the success of this process, which the survey and report case study will seek to expose. Intervention  Because the study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey seeking to expose a situation, there are no interventions set to solve or fix the problem but only to make them known. Statistical considerations Sample size The sample size to be used will be made up of 25 veterinarians taking correspondence from the call centre. These must be people whose duty does not focus on purpose-bred animals as these are not allowed for animal research. 25 veterinarians will be selected from each of the 25 locations available in KSA so that there will be fair representation of members. Data analysis Because the study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey, a descriptive statistical data analysis procedure will be used after collecting the data. The ideal with the descriptive statistical data analysis will be to draw a correlation between the dependent variable which is the time used in sending reports and independent variables which include availability of medical supplies and tools, availability of transportation, system functionality, climatic conditions, and terrain and difficulty of access to the site. Software The data analysis will be performed by the use of the STATA statistical software. The rationale for selecting this software is in its ability to give out pre-determined co-corelational variables such as Pearson correlation. Analytical plan  As part of the descriptive analysis, the researcher plans to evaluate the emergency reporting system in KSA by relating each of the independent variable to the dependent variable. This way, it will be able to clearly describe the factors that are accountable for the inefficiencies with the emergency reporting system.   Ethical Considerations  Because of the inclusion of human subjects in the data collection, a lot of considerations will be made in terms of ethics when collecting data. The first of this will be to ensure that an official permission letter is sent to all the locations where respondents will be drawn for the study. Each respondent will also be presented with a consent form, which explains the purpose of the study, role of respondents, and why it is necessary for the respondents to contribute to the study. The consent form will also explain that participation is strictly voluntary and that respondents can withdraw from the study at any point. What is more, data collection will be confidential and anonymous so as to protect identities of respondents. Limitations/Expected outcome/dissemination plan A major limitation of the study will have to do with generalisation of results this is because with a sample of only 25 respondents, across 25 locations, it will be difficult to tell if the outcomes from the respondents are the true picture of what prevails at the national level. The expected outcome is however to be that delays with reporting is largely attributed to system functionality instead of third part causes such as transportation or climate. The final report is expected to be disseminated through publishing after the main dissertation has been approved. Work Plan (use Gantt chart) Activity list Gantt timeframe Task list W1 W2 W3 W4 W 5 W6 W7 W 8 W9 W10 W11 W12 W13 W14 W15 W16 W17 W18 W19 W22 W24 Critical Path A E B U C P Duration Depending A Identification of research problem 1 week N/A B Discussing research problem with supervisor 1 week A, C C Desk research about problem 1 week A, B, D D Developing aims and objectives 1 week A, C, E E LITERATURE REVIEW 6 weeks A, B, G, K, O, Z, AD F Setting themes based on research objectives 3 weeks A, B, D F G Preparing literature log 2 weeks B, E G H First literature search 1 week B, D, E, F H I Scanning of sources to reduce search finds 1 week B, G, K, M I J Writing literature review 2 weeks A J K Methodology 3 weeks A, B, C, F, Y, AB K L Seeking official permission 2 weeks A, D L M Developing sample 1 week A, D, R, T M N Developing instrument 1 week A, B, R, T N O Collecting data 2 weeks B, C, H, Y O P Sorting of data 1 week B, D, G, X P Q Data analysis 6 weeks A, B, E, N, H, R, Z, AA R Setting themes for analysis 3 weeks B, G, K, M R S Setting software to be used 2 weeks A S T Classifying dependent variable 1 week A, B, C T U Classifying independent variables 1 week A, D U V Drawing correlation between variables 2 weeks A, D, R, T V W Interpreting data findings 2 weeks A, B, G, K, O, Z, AD W X Writing of thesis 3 weeks A, B, D X Y Writing of introduction and prelims chapter 2 weeks B, E Y Z Writing of literature review chapter 1 week B, D, E, F Z AA Writing of methodology chapter 2 weeks B, G, K, M AA AB Writing of data analysis chapter 2 weeks F, G, Y AB AC Writing of conclusion chapter 2 weeks F AC AD Presentation 6 weeks B, C, F AE Presentation of draft 1 3 weeks C, D AE AF Correction of first draft 2 weeks F, H, R, T AF AG Presentation of draft 2 2 weeks AB, AD, AE, F AG AH Correction of draft 2 2 weeks AB, AG, K, M AH AI Final thesis presentation 2 weeks F,G,Y AI AJ Defence of thesis 2 week F,T AJ   Budget The table below shows expected tasks and the amounts to be spent on each one. Item Amount (USD) Transportation 120 Printing 70 Honorarium 2500 Calls 90 Postage 50 Stationery 100 Programming the questionnaire on the system 90 Miscellaneous 200 Total 3220   References Babalobi, O. O., (2007). “Veterinary geographic information systems applications in Nigeria: limitations, challenges and needs”, Veterinaria Italiana, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 491-499. Dessie, T. & Jobre, Y. (2004). “A review of the importance and control of NCD in Ethiopia” Ethiopia veterinary Journal, Vol. 8 No. 1, Pp. 71-81. Engel, B. A., Choi, J., Theller, L., Lim, K. J., (2004). Carcass Disposal: A Comprehensive Review. Kansas State University, USA: National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, FAO (2014). Manual on the preparation of national animal disease emergency preparedness plan. [Online] Available at http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/x2096e/X2096E05.htm [May 10, 2015] Fisher, C (2010). Researching and Writing a Dissertation, An Essential Guide for Business Students, 3rd Edition, London: Pearson Education Kroschewski, K., Kramer, M., Micklich, A., Staubach, C., Carmanns, R., Conraths, F.J., (2006). “Animal disease outbreak control: the use of crisis management tools.”, Rev Sci Tech of Int Epiz, 25, pp. 211-221. Norstrom, M., (2001). “Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as a tool in survaillance and monitoring of animal diseases”, Acta Vet Scand, 94, pp. 79-85. Priester, W.A. (2005). Collecting and using veterinary clinical data. Millennium edition. Texas: Springfield. Remenyi, D., Williams, B., Money, A. & Swartz, E. (2008). Doing Research in Business and Management: An Introduction to Process and Method. London: Sage Renter, D., (2002). “Geographic Information Systems: Tools for Addressing Food Safety and Animal Health Issues”. Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Alberta, Animal Health Forum, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 1-2. Riley, M., Wood, R. Clark, M., Wilkie, E., & Szivas, E. (2010) Researching and Writing Dissertations in Business and Management. London: Thomson Learning. Robson, C. (2012). Real World Research. Oxford: Blackwell. Russell, A.M., Rowlands, G.J., Shaw, S.R. & Weaver, A.D. (1982). Survey of lameness in British dairy cattle, Veterinary Record, 111, pp. 155- 160. Sapsford, R. & Jupp, V. (2006). Data Collection and Analysis (2nd edition). London: SAGE. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2003). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Scudamore, J. M. & Harris, D. M., (2002). “Control of foot and mouth disease: lessons from the experience of the outbreak in Great Britain in 2001”, Revue scientifique et technique Office international des Épizooties, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 699-710. Smith, M (2011). Research Methods in Business, 2nd Edition, New York: Sage Publications. Sprague, R. H., & Carlson E. D. (1982). Building Effective Decision Support Systems., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:Prentice-Hall, Inc. Ward, M. P., Maftei, D., Apostu, C. & Suru, A, (2007). “Evolution of The 2005– 2006 Avian Influenza H5N1 Epidemic in Romania: GIS and Spatial Analysis”, GISVET 07 Weldemeskel, M. & Ashenafi, H. (2003). “Study on skin diseases of sheep from KSA”. Deutsche Tiererzts Wochen Schrift Vol. 1 No. 110, Pp 20-22 Willeberg, P. (1980). “Abattoir surveillance in Denmark”. The Pig Veterinary Society Proceedings, 6, pp. 43-54. Wurtz, R. M. & Popovich, M. L., (2002). “Animal Disease Surveillance: A Framework for Supporting Disease Detection in Public Health”, White Paper: Animal Disease Surveillance, WHP027-A Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research Design and Methods, London: SAGE. Appendix Questionnaire close the reporting of animal diseases of Central Chamber of information and emergency 1. What is the frequency of cases received in a day? 1 to 10 [ ] 11 to 20 [ ] 21 to 30 [ ] Above 30 [ ] 2. Most cases received come from domestic animal keepers Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 3. Most cases received come from commercial animal keepers Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 4. Is there any trend of peak season when report of animal disease is highest? Yes [ ] No [ ] 5. In your experience, which is the peak season when report of animal disease is highest? …………………………………………………………….. 6. I am able to close most reports of animal disease within 72 hours Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 7. I close most reports of animal disease after 72 hours Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 8. Non-availability of medical supplies and tools is the major reason for closing cases late Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 9. Non-availability of transportation is the major reason for closing cases late Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 10. System malfunction is the major reason for closing cases late Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 11. Climatic condition is the major reason for closing cases late Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 12. Terrain and the difficulty of access to the site is the major reason for closing cases late Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] 13. The period of 72 hours is not enough to close the reporting of animal diseases Strongly agree [ ] Agree [ ] Disagree [ ] Strongly disagree [ ] Read More