Module Components

• Overview

Topics

• Overview of Public Health and Public Health Informatics
• Public Health Data Sources
• Public Health Informatics and Meaningful Use

Nurs460 – HEALTH INFORMATICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES

Module 10: Technology to Support Public Health

Public Health Data Sources

Where Does Public Health Data Come From?

Today we have a vast array of data to monitor the health of the public. Over 190 data sources are currently being used to collect progress of Healthy People 2010 health objectives for the nation. Explore the link below to view examples of some of the available data sources.

Data for public health is collected from a variety of sources such as:

• Secondary data from healthcare systems
  
• Primary data from healthcare systems
  
  • Individual patient clinical records
    
  • Sexually transmitted disease clinics
    
  • Child health systems – special needs/hearing/early intervention/WIC
    
  • TB patient management
    
  • Immunization clinics
    
  • Newborn screening
    
  • Birth and death registries
    
• Population survey data
  
  • Behavioral risk factor surveillance system
    
• Public health notifications

What about the EHR?

Electronic Health Record adoption is still in the early stages but these systems will have a major impact on available data for public health initiatives.

• Read CDC Sees EHRs as Public Health 'Game Changer'

Below are some ways the EHR will be used to benefit public health goals:

• Reminders for immunization and preventative services
  
• Populate registries for trauma, burn, poisoning, cancer, birth, death, birth defect, immunization, etc.
  
• Deliver health guidelines and recommendations
  
• Characterize at risk groups, evaluate impact of interventions
  
• Identify disease and injury trends
  
• Manage chronic disease outcomes and adverse events
  
• Identify social determinants of health

What are Other Future Data Sources?

• Personal Health Records
  
  • http://www.jmir.org/2010/3/e33/
    
• Health Information Exchanges
  
  • https://www.healthit.gov/topic/health-it-and-health-information-exchange-basics/health-information-exchange