Insights into COVID-19 data collection and management in Malawi: exploring processes, perceptions, and data discrepancies.

Our study highlights the integral connection between data quality and the design and utilization of data collection forms. While the forms were deemed to contain the most relevant fields, deficiencies in format, order of fields, and the absence of an addendum with guidelines, resulted in large gaps and errors. Form design needs to be reviewed so that it appropriately fits into the overall processes and systems that capture surveillance data. This study is the first of its kind in Malawi, offering an in-depth view of the perceptions and experiences of health professionals involved in disease surveillance on the tools and processes they use.