Using Information Technology to Improve the Public Health System

Abstract

Information technology can be both a vital tool and critical link in the modern public health system. This article discusses the role of information technology in public health and the activities of the Information Technology Collaborative, one of the collaboratives that comprise the national Turning Point initiative. Data are presented from a nationwide survey investigating local health department information technology needs and information technology use. This data, and data from an investigation of state-level public health information technology, will be presented in a more complete format on the Information Technology Collaborative's online Public Health Information Systems Catalog, a free resource for individuals interested in public health informatics. Recommendations for future initiatives, policy changes, and information technology standards are discussed.

Use of single-nucleotide polymorphism in assessment and management of tuberculosis by using Geo Informatics System

“…[19,20] Another reason for the less popularity of GIS than other application software is the time required to learn and understand its functionality is very much. [18,20] Furthermore, GIS may be viewed as an undemocratic technology, [21] as it may broaden the gaps between the powerful and less empowered people because of difficulty to access the data and technology by the poor. Those in power will use the surveillance capabilities to which other sectors of the population do not have access.…”

Health Departments’ Engagement in Emergency Preparedness Activities: The Influence of Health Informatics Capacity

“…12 Informatics refers to systematic use of information, technology and analytics, to improve the public health administrative practices and services, and is a central driving force for public health agencies to be effective and efficient in delivering quality public health services, particularly in this post-recession era. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In the face of funding shortages and heightened demands on LHDs for emergency preparedness, it is important to find evidence to improve public health emergency preparedness. While attacks of 2001 destroyed our sense of security, an aftermath led to the integration of health information exchanges (HIEs) into emergency preparedness and response.…”

Power and agency in health information technology: towards a more meaningful participatory design for sustainable development

“…It collects data through laboratory equipment, stores electric health records for patients and doctors (EHRs), and generally links the various disparate parts of the public health system [3]. In fact, there is a long history of information technology within the healthcare system of the global South [3].…”

“…It collects data through laboratory equipment, stores electric health records for patients and doctors (EHRs), and generally links the various disparate parts of the public health system [3]. In fact, there is a long history of information technology within the healthcare system of the global South [3]. While some argue that the benefits of health information technology (HIT) are scarce [5], others have argued that the benefits of HIT may be evident only in the long-term [6] or only in the case of highly contextualized systems championed by academics [7].…”