The Maternal and Health Block Grant requires that a needs assessment be conducted every five years. To assist us in the integration of various sources of information, a Geographic Information System was used in our needs assessment process. The GIS helped to visually represent adverse health outcome data and risk factor information from our vital records. Locations of health care providers and Department of Public Health (DPH) sponsored services were also gathered and used in the GIS.
The 1994-1996 birth cohort was linked with the death certificate file. Ninety six percent of address information was geocoded and imported into the GIS. Data from this linked birth file was used to present information on infant deaths, low birth weight, and teen pregnancy. The health care provider data and DPH sponsored services were also geocoded and imported into the GIS.
Spatial models were developed to identify areas of elevated risk for these various health indicators. Methods were utilized to develop the spatial models without relying on traditional geo-political boundaries (town, zipcode, or census areas). The models allow public health personnel to visualize health indicators as continuos statewide images.
The integration of these sources of health information and service providers enabled us to visualize areas of high need and services simultaneously. It also gave us the ability to begin to explore ways to spatially analyze issues related to access to services.
Learning Objectives: To demonstrate the use of geographic information systems in the MCH Block Grant needs assessment process
Keywords: Geographic Information Systems, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.