JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease with substantial morbidity and mortality. India contributes to nearly 50% of global snakebite deaths,yet the disease remains underreported due to lack of standardized of documentation and phenotypic classification. Current diagnosis is syndromic and lacks uniform data capture protocols. This study aims to develop and implement a syndromic coding system to improve snakebite surveillance and care

Objective:

This study aims to develop, validate, and implement a geography-specific syndromic coding and reporting system for snakebite envenoming to improve standardized documentation, clinical management, and surveillance in selected districts of India. It will also assess the burden, patterns, species distribution, and reporting of snakebite cases, evaluate healthcare providers knowledge and challenges, and examine the effectiveness and scalability of the coding system for improving case detection and epidemiological data quality.

Methods:

This implementation-effectiveness hybrid study will be conducted across four study districts in India, representing four geographical zones. Retrospective and prospective data will be encoded using a standardized, geographic-specific coding system modelled on the International Classification of Disease (ICD) and Systemised Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT). Stakeholders including clinicians, researchers, and public health specialists will contribute to the development of the coding system using Delphi methodology. Training will be provided to Project Assistants for real-time data entry. A snakebite surveillance dashboard will be developed and hosted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Results:

The study is expected to establish a standardized, geography-specific syndromic coding and reporting system for snakebite envenoming across selected districts in India. Its implemented is anticipated to improve case detection, classification accuracy, and completeness of epidemiological data, while strengthening surveillance and supporting evidence-based clinical management and policy planning.

Conclusions:

The study proposes a first-of-its-kind phenotypic data-driven approach to snakebite surveillance and treatment in India. The resulting coding system and dashboard will strengthen national reporting and guide future health policy and intervention programs Clinical Trial: Not applicable