Public health efforts with targeted agendas require systematic collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to measure program progress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) funds 50 States, the District of Columbia and 7 territories to implement the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), a comprehensive tobacco prevention and control effort. OSH developed a web-based reporting system, the NTCP Chronicle, to collect quantitative and qualitative data to measure program progress across four key tobacco control goal areas. In addition, infrastructure information addressing capacity issues (staffing, funding and collaboration) is collected. A marked increase in submission rate and timeliness of submission from past paper reporting cycles has resulted. Although standard query software provides analytical support, thorough data analysis to identify programmatic gaps and training and technical assistance needs requires extensive content analysis. Generation of reports to provide feedback to states and partners is planned and will assist state program managers and CDC staff to rapidly assess and address programmatic gaps. Similar systems in public health arenas could greatly foster program development and integration of a standardized reporting process, thus improving programs that serve to address health issues. This presentation will focus on successes and challenges associated with the initiation of a web-based progress reporting system. See www.cdc.gov/tobacco
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: List five programmatic benefits and five challenges gained through use of a web-based reporting system. Describe conceptual foundation for developing a web-based program reporting system. Discuss data analysis challenges posed by collection of extensive and detailed qualitative tobacco control data needed to inform program progress.
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Reporting
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None