Informatics in Public Health

1. Informatics in Public Health William A. Yasnoff, MD, PhD Public Health Practice Program Office Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Public Health in 2010 DEMONSTRATION

3. Information Infrastructure Informatics Barriers to IT in Public Health

4. Surveillance data Only 15-20% of reportable cases reported Delays of days to weeks Not typically in electronic form Other relevant data not electronically available Environmental, injury, etc. Guidelines Contacts Training materials A. Information

5. NEDSS = National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Architectural elements Public health conceptual data model Knowledge management Preventioneffects.net Encoding of clinical guidelines Disseminate through EMRs Point-of-care reminders Information: Work in Progress

6. Information technology Only 48.9% of local health departments have high-speed continuous internet connections (NACCHO, 1999) Workforce 83% of local health departments indicate that computer training is a key need (NACCHO, 1996) B. Infrastructure

7. INPHO = Information Network for Public Health Officials (state) Ending in FY2001 HAN = Health Alert Network (local) Frist-Kennedy authorization Infrastructure standards/ assessment Preparedness of public health system Infrastructure: Work in Progress

8. Health Alert Network Goals Ensure communications capacity at all local and state health departments (full Internet connectivity, training) Ensure capacity to broadcast and receive health alerts at every level Ensure capacity to receive distance learning offerings for CDC, et al.

9. Map WA NH VT ME MT ND OR MN ID Monroe Co. NY WI SD MA MI WY RI CT IA PA NY City NV NE CA Chicago NJ OH UT IN CO IL DE WV VA Denver Co. MO MD KS KY Los Angeles NC TN AZ OK HAN Cities (N=3) NM AR SC Local CPHP counties (N=3) DeKalb Co. AL MS HAN States (N=37) GA TX Not funded LA AK HI FL HAN & Local Centers for Public Health Preparedness Funded Sites - FY 2000

10. Communications Capacity Equip all full-function local PH systems with: • Improved Internet access • 55% now have continuous high-speed Internet capacity • Health alert broadcast capacity • 56% now have a system for sending urgent health alerts • Provide informatics training • Develop critical information content

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13. Distance Learning/Training • Distance learning capacity at state/local public health agencies • 82% of LHDs now have access to satellite downlink within 30 minutes drive-time from work

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15. Distance Learning/Training Transition to web-based distance learning • Increased capacity at CDC • Web-based informatics course Training in bioterrorism preparedness • USAMRIID/CDC course, BT Grand Rounds, Role of Clinical Lab, et al.

16. Distance Learning/Training Provide informatics training • Annual Conference on Public Health Informatics and Distance Learning • Public Health Informatics course given to 120 people, including most HAN project managers

17. Website Development Completed CDC BT Preparedness and Response Website (www.bt.cdc.gov) Health Alert Network Website (www.phppo.cdc.gov/han) Under Development BT Emergency Response Restricted Website HAN Today Website

18. HAN Emergency Notification System Functions Rapidly alert key State Public Health officials of bioterrorist events or other emergent health threats via email and fax Provide official CDC communications to key State Public Health officials during a bioterrorist event via email and fax

19. Expand web-based learner support system Partner with HRSA to develop and disseminate national standards for information and communication systems needed in a BT emergency 75% of full functioning LHDs have Internet connectivity, 50% have broadcast alert capability, and 80% have satellite-based distance learning capacity Disseminate a communications plan regarding rapid relay of information HAN Plans for FY 2001

20. Definition: the systematic application of computer & information science and technology to public health practice, research, and learning Management skills IT projects expensive and high risk Interdisciplinary teams required New skills needed by public health managers C. Informatics

21. Spring AMIA Meeting May 15-17, 2001 in Atlanta (www.amia.org) Bringing together medical informatics and public health communities Areas of focus: funding; architecture and infrastructure; standards and vocabulary; research, evaluation, and best practices; privacy, confidentiality, and security; training/workforce Primary sponsor: RWJ Foundation Public Health Informatics: Developing a National Agenda

22. Development of consensus competencies Meeting prior to Spring AMIA (Richards & O’Carroll) Multiple tracks expected: basic/managers/senior managers Goal is sample curriculum for SPH Book: Public Health Informatics and Information Systems (Aspen Press, 2002) Suitable for teaching PHI Includes case studies Informatics Training - 1

23. Information Access IT infrastructure view Information system development Networking & database design Standards Privacy, Confidentiality & Security IT planning and procurement IT leadership; managing change Public Health Informatics Competency Categories

24. CDC short (3 day) course for public health managers Developed in ’96-’97 Interactive web version later this year CDC Fellowship Two year program started in ’96 Still evolving Schools of Public Health Courses (at least 11 now; more planned) Degree programs in early stages Informatics Training - 2

25. Information Access Databases Knowledge management Information Systems Effective management Improved productivity Surveillance integrated with EMR Feedback to providers Informatics in Public Health: The Future

26. William A. Yasnoff, MD, PhD 770/488-2503 WYasnoff@cdc.gov For Further Information