Due to the cost, lack of available technical expertise in rural communities, and categorical funding streams, the development of a comprehensive strategy regarding the use of electronic systems to support service delivery, program planning, and the evaluation of program effectiveness in the Public Health community has been limited. However, CDC's Health Alert Network (HAN) project is providing an opportunity for Montana's lead public health agency to approach the development of Web-based systems as a part of a formal strategy to extend the reach of Public Health in a cost-effective fashion. One of the stated goals of the HAN project is to ensure Internet connectivity for local public health jurisdictions. This directly promotes use of the Internet for the transmission of training and emergency response information. However, policy makers should also understand that the presence of Internet connectivity within virtually all public health facilities, as well as the widespread availability of Internet Connectivity to Non-government Organizations (NGO), allows for the use of the Internet as a Wide Area Network that is readily accessible to any organization affiliated with Public Health. Creatively used, the Internet emerges as a tool that is not only supportive of service delivery to clients, but one that is also capable of producing real-time managerial intelligence at the public health/private health care interface. Examples of Internet-based projects currently under development or already deployed within Montana include an integrated Statewide Immunization Registry, two Maternal & Child Health Data Systems, an HIV/AIDS project management system, and a Communicable Disease Surveillance System. See www.dphhs.state.mt.us/hpsd/pubheal/disease/index.htm
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1. Describe a cost-effective mechanism for providing Internet connectivity to small, remote offices. 2. Articulate a strategy for developing an Internet-based business model. 3. List three advantages offered to both Governmental and NGOs supporting Public Health using an Internet-based B2B model.
Keywords: Information Systems, Rural Communities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grantee for Health Alert Network and National Electronic Disease Surveillance System)