Issues and Challenges for Integrated Surveillance Systems Daniel M. Sosin, MD, MPH Division of Public Health Surveillance and Informatics Epidemiology Program Office
Information is the “Business” of Public Health Surveillance Research Intervention evaluation Program evaluation
Uses of Public Health Surveillance Estimate magnitude of a problem Determine characteristics of a problem Portray natural history of a condition Detect clusters and epidemics Track health behaviors and practices Stimulate research Evaluate prevention and control measures Facilitate program implementation
Surveillance Information Sources Vital records Clinical records Laboratories Administrative/Billing records Personal surveys Environmental surveys Public safety records
Need for Integration Multiple categorical systems Incomplete data Untimely Burdensome
Surveillance Integration at CDC National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Architecture Standards Security Health Alert Network (HAN) Infrastructure
NEDSS Base System Commercial software development Web-based data entry Electronic messaging Integrated Data Repository Platform for content modules Commercial analytic tools (SAS, ESRI GIS)
NEDSS: Current Status Funding: 50 states, 6 cities, 1 territory 43 started with Assessment and Planning 35 states, 1 city funded for development 20 states to deploy the Base System HL7 messaging pilot projects (laboratories, emergency departments, cancer registries) Convening public health partners in standards development and privacy protection
Issues and Challenges
Investment IT development and deployment Training and culture change Engaged leadership
Accommodation Multiplicity of program needs Multiplicity of data sources Collaboration across many disciplines and fields
Clinical Database CDC and Other Health Depts. XML Data Exchange Electronic Laboratory Messages HL7 Security Integrated State / Local Data Repository State Health Department Local Health Department Or Clinical Site Shareable Directory of PH Personnel Reporting, GIS and Analysis B L
Privacy Opportunity and responsibility HIPAA Administrative simplification Electronic data interchange Health information privacy Improving health care delivery
Privacy: HIPAA New safeguards Covers individually-identifiable health information Does not constrain public health authority
Summary: Issues/Challenges Investment Accommodation Complexity Privacy
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