1. UPDATE: DRSi MERRecorder (ALERT MODULE)
- On 5 May 2014, the MERRecorder role in DRSi will be updated to allow for easier tracking of events of interest through a new “Alert” capability.
- These slides will briefly explain the new changes in the system.
as of May 2014

2. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
- You will access DRSi as usual with your CAC Card.
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3. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
The MERRecorder main page will look a little different.
Your menu items for entering reports and producing summary reports will remain this same.
You will notice a new box at the bottom of the page entitled “DRSi Items Requiring Additional Actions”.
This is a new “alert” capability that will help MERRecorders track and easily access records that may need additional updates:
(a) Recent Outbreak Reports provides the opportunity to easily review and update outbreaks reported within the last 30 days.
(b) STI Cases provides the opportunity to easily view, update and close any incomplete STI risk surveys not yet marked as certified.
(c) VAERS cases provides the opportunity to view recent VAERS forms that have been filed in DRSi.
(d) Preliminary/Pending MER Cases provides the opportunity to easily access and update any Medical Event Reports marked as preliminary or pending.
(e) The MER Cases Needing Further Review entry is explained in the next few slides.
The “alert” box describes the “Case Type”, record “Count”, “First Date of Event”, and “Last Date of Event”. To open a window that allows you to view the items, you would click on the View button.
**Notice changes were not made to the modules highlighted in blue.***
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4. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
The MER Cases Needing Further Review allows for communication between the NEPMU and you (as the MER recorder) within DRSi itself.
The number located in parenthesis under the “View” header indicates the number of MERs the MERRecorder has pending for action.
In this example, the NEPMU has sent a MER back to the MER recorder with a comment and the MER is in the queue for the MERRecorder to review.
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5. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
How does this process work?
Once a MER is submitted using normal procedures in DRSi by the MERRecorder, the MER is then available to the “Regional Reviewer” (your cognizant NEPMU) for review.
The above example shows the NEPMU Reviewer view.
Notice in the blue box at the bottom, there are three buttons. The NEPMU can either mark the MER as “Reviewed” OR “Revise”.
If, during NEPMU review, the MER looks fine and no updates need to be made, the NEPMU can mark the MER as “Reviewed”.
If questions arise either with regards to MER data quality or appropriate preventive measures, the NEPMU can mark the MER as “Revise” and provide comments or specific instructions back to the MER Recorder.
In this example, the “Regional Reviewer” reviewed the MER and provided comments for the MERRecorder in the bottom blue portion. The MER will then show up in the MER Recorder’s “MER Cases Needing Further Review” alert box.
Notice there are buttons just above the blue box entitled “First” and “Previous”. If you have more than one MER in the queue, these buttons allow the user to toggle to other MERs; you do not have to exit out of every MER to access the next MER that is pending for review.
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6. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
In this second example of a MER Recorder view, A second MER has since been added in queue for the MERRecorder to review.
Two cases are MERs and one case is a VAERS case bringing the total of cases in queue to review to three.
The MERRecorder has the option to click on the case they would like to review first (MER cases or VAERS).
At this time we will view the one VAERs that is in queue.
Click the “VAERS Cases (1)” button located under “View”.
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7. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
- Once you click the button, the above will display.
To view the case and edit any changes per the “Regional Reviewer” click “View Case.
If you have more than one VAERS in queue, you have the option to click the button that says “Scroll Through Selected VAERS Reports”.
This gives you the option to update needed VAERS one by one instead of exiting out of each report.
Since there is only one VAERs pending for action, we will click “View Case”.
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8. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
After clicking the “View Case” button, the VAERS Report will show along with the NEPMU’s comments.
This is a snap shot of the entire report as well as submitted NEPMU comments.
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9. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
Here is a closer look at the “Regional Reviewer's” comments.
According to the comments, the reporting unit needs to be changed in the system.
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10. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
The MERRecorder will scroll up to the Reporting Unit portion of the VAERS and make necessary changes to the “Reporting Unit”
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11. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
The “Reporting Unit” was changed in the system from per the “Regional Reviewer” comments to

12. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
- Click “ReSubmit” located at the top right after all corrections are made.

13. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
You will receive a system generated message letting you know the VAERS was saved successfully with all updates.
The VAERS is then forwarded back to the “Regional Reviewer’s” queue for review.

14. DRSI Update: ALERT MODULE
The number of records in the MERRecorders queue will update accordingly.
The report is again with the “Regional Reviewer”.
If additional changes need to be made to the case, then steps discussed in previous slides will take place.
If no additional changes need to be made on behalf of the MERRecorder, the “Regional Reviewer” will approve the case and no further action is needed from the MERRecorder.

15. Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t understand the concept of the new module, can I receive training on how the module works? Yes. Individuals that have yet to grasp the concept of the new Alert Module can contact the DRSi Helpdesk at anytime to receive training. Group training as well as one on one training is offered via phone or DCO.
Who is my “Regional Reviewer”? The “Regional Reviewer” is an individual at your cognizant NEPMU who has the responsibility for providing public health reach-back support for the MERRecorder.
Where can I get more information and training on reporting? You can visit our website at: or contact your cognizant NEPMU
Here is a slide that will answer questions pertaining to the new module.

16. For Questions on DRSi, Contact the DRSI HELPDESK
DSN: (757) COMM: (312)
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the DRSi Helpdesk.

17. For Reporting Guidance Contact Your Cognizant NEPMU
NEPMU2: COMM: (757) ; DSN: (312)
NEPMU5: COMM: (619) ; DSN (312)
NEPMU6: COMM: (808) ; DSN: (315)
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center