Abstract
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.