Recorded presentation

Lemuel Skidmore, MS, University of Connecticut, 20 Pepperbush Drive, Clinton, CT 06413, 860-669-7126, lskidmore1@comcast.net

One inhibiting characteristic of information systems in the business world is that they evolved from specific needs for specific business areas, rather than as components of an integrated whole. The result is expensive retooling, as well as unnecessary labor cost to enter, analyze, and reconcile redundant data. As local health departments attempt to computerize, they risk falling into the same trap—focusing on a specific need or requirement, often in response to funding, such as that currently being provided to support bioterrorism efforts. Without guidance, local health departments are likely to repeat the experience of the business world. The author has developed such guidance in the form of data and process models, and a sample application. With this model infrastructure, a health department will be able to select relevant sections and begin to build information systems that are scalable and integratable in the future, as opposed to establishing discrete systems that require costly modifications. The model is built based on the current data requirements of multiple health departments in Connecticut.

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

• Indentify 5 sources of information relevant to local health department operation
• Describe the approach to analysis and integration of data of concern to health departmants' daily operation
• Communicate requirements for data analysis to suppliers and to local funding bodies

Keywords: Public Health Informatics, Information System Integration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation