Local and Regional Public Health Informatics

Abstract

Local public health, defined by its proximity to the populations and entities it serves, has frequent interactions and directly partners with these constituents. Constituent partnerships center on shared mission(s). Many partners maintain local data repositories and/or have a need to exchange data. Technology and data science offer new ways to address public health problems through data sharing. Local public health agencies (LPHA) are often challenged to couple partnerships and technology to best utilize these data. Integration opportunities abound, yet LPHA informatics skills and capacity are lacking for many jurisdictions. Operationally, most LPHA have common objectives; a common nationwide framework exists for evaluation and accreditation. Leveraging national or regional informatics efforts can address the common objectives at reduced cost. Secure, shared cost, cloud-based solutions have created collective value despite limited resources. Both within and across jurisdictions, leadership and communication that advance collaborative technology development are key competencies to effectively engage and build vision with community partners. Joint planning and design assure greater adoption, implementation and sustainability of informatics solutions for LPHA and their constituents.