Technical Review: Key concepts of health database management for public health workforce development in resource-limited settings

Abstract

The academic and professional technology communities recognize that data science and big data management are essential methods for handling and using data in modern society for decision-making that ultimately leads to societal improvements. These insights are applicable to the world-wide practice of public health. The purpose of this technical review is to provide the public health decision-maker with an overview of key concepts of health database management to help guide additional individual or workforce development in order to support public health practice. This discussion is organized with the following subheading: Definition: Health Data Management; Data Preparation Actions; Basic SQL Commands in Microsoft Access; and Basic Data Management Procedures. Public health workforce development efforts that include discussion and skill-building activities dealing with issues and topics in health data management could contribute to developing the public health competencies of all public health professionals, including those in resource-limited settings, for the benefit of reporting disease outbreaks and other health outcomes of interest to local public health authorities.