[Development History and Composition of Korea Tuberculosis Network System].

OBJECTIVES

Since 2000, South Korea has been continuously developing and improving the Korea Tuberculosis Network System (KTB-Net). This article aims to present how the system has digitalized and systematized the processes of detecting, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring tuberculosis patients.

METHODS

This study has examined the history, structure, data holdings, and user roles of the KTB-Net system, drawing on informatization project reports and the KTB-Net database.

RESULTS

Initiated in 2000 with a reporting management system, the KTB-Net has undergone continuous development. In 2009, the system was integrated, and in 2014, the reporting system was comprehensively overhauled. Currently, the KTB-Net comprises six subsystems and has accumulated over 9,103,281 records. It effectively supports tuberculosis patient management through linkages with six external organizations.

CONCLUSIONS

The KTB-Net has become a core system for tuberculosis management, contributing significantly to the nation’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. Continuous improvements will be made to enhance the system’s consistency, comprehensiveness, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Through these efforts, the KTB-Net will further solidify its role as a key tool in achieving the goal of tuberculosis eradication.