The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49122

Willis, Jr. R. Bradwell, MBA, Health Information and Business Systems Division, Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 2103, Washington, DC 20002, 202-442-9029, wbradwell@dchealth.com

This paper discusses the many critical challenges and opportunities faced by Chief Information Officers (CIO’s) in public health departments in today’s society. It discusses the value and importance of aligning information technology with the goals and objectives of public health departments. This is essential, as public health departments are reliant upon technology and information systems to help ensure that public health services and resources are made available to citizens in an efficient and effective manner.

CIO’s play a leadership role in addressing a myriad of responsibilities faced by public health departments. This includes designing IT infrastructures that protect and assure the privacy, confidentiality and security of health data and information; designing and implementing communication networks and surveillance systems that link hospital emergency rooms and acute and primary care providers of communities with public health departments; developing data warehousing and integration efforts so that better reporting and analysis can be conducted on the health data and information public departments maintain; re-engineering legacy systems and database applications that are outdated and dysfunctional; and HIPAA compliance activities. All of this and much more must be accomplished, oftentimes, with limited budgets and resources.

There are several important strategies that CIO’s should use when looking at challenges and opportunities. These include looking at best practice models, benchmarking and operational and strategic alignments. CIO’s in public health departments are expected to deliver value in improving customer services, speeding employee access to data and information and making public health programs and services more efficient.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the value of aligning information technology with Health Department business strategies;
• Apply the concept of best practices and benchmarking to assure productivity and results; and
• Identify the changing realities in the world of information technolgy.

Keywords: Challenges and Opportunities, Information Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: District of Columbia Department of Health Health Information and Business Systems Division
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.