The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51723

Carl W. Wilson, MPH¹, Yvonne Claudio, MS², Willis, Jr. R. Bradwell, MBA³, Ebony A. Davis, MPH¹, and Julia Davidson-Randall, MS⁴. (1) State Center for Health Statistics Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 442-5865, cwilson@dchealth.com, (2) University of Maryland University College, 15151 Deer Valley Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20906, (3) Health Information and Business Systems Division, Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 2103, Washington, DC 20002, (4) Department of Health - State Center for Health Statistics Administration, District of Columbia Government, 825 North Capitol Street N.E., Washington, DC 20002

It has been clear for many years that the information systems in place in public health organizations are insufficient to meet core public health functions. Such inadequacy was made more visible in recent months by the challenges public health officials faced in meeting the emergency responses required during the terrorist attacks in September 2001. Now attention and resources are being directed at strengthening the information technology critical in public health organizations.

As efforts are directed at building such infrastructures, it is important to step back and adequately plan such development. This panel presents the experience of the District of Columbia Department of Health in embarking upon such an effort in 1997. Discussed are the circumstances that facilitated such an effort, and the Department's preliminary activities as it proceeded to implement an IT enhancement project. The panel identifies the challenges of such undertaking, including issues relating to securing financing, training staff, and developing partnerships that facilitated engaging contractors. A case study is also presented on the District's current efforts to reengineer its Vital Records information system--a mission critical information system within the Department.

Learning Objectives:

• Outline the key activities in undertaking the building of IT infrastructure within a health department. Describe the challenges and opportunities in undertaking an IT development project. Discuss the strategy for implementing and sustaining such efforts.

Keywords: Health Information Systems, Infrastructure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment