4133.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #17151

Injury Data and the Internet

David W. Lawrence, MPH, RN, CS and Nilam Patel, MPH. CSN National Injury Data Technical Assistance, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, 6505 Alavarado Road, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-594-3691, david.lawrence@mail.sdsu.edu

Data are necessary for informed decision-making. The World Wide Web has resources that provide immediate access to timely information that may be useful in the prevention of injuries. However, this material is not easily found using conventional search engines. Most Web sites that provide access to these data require the user to create custom tables and figures using complex forms. Further, these sites use Web technologies that require 4th generation (or more recent) browser versions and fast Internet connections to download pages quickly and effectively. The Children's Safety Network, National Injury Data Technical Assistance Center's Web site receives an average of 250 unique (non-robot) visitors a day. At least one-third of these use browsers that do not meet those criteria. Thus, we developed a system that allows old-model browsers with slow dial-up connections to access charts and pre-formatted tables quickly. This site, http://www.nidtac.org , contains age-and state-specific data on the incidence, costs, and trends of injuries important to public health. The site provides in-depth information on injury types, causes, and risk-factors mentioned in the Healthy People 2010 Objectives, the Maternal and Child Health Title V performance measures, and other documents. Links to other sources of online data and suggestions about their use are also provided. This presentation will discuss sources online data and how to use them effectively. Also covered will be how we use our Web server and search engine statistics to help us select the material we place online.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:

  1. List Internet sites with data useful for injury prevention planning and evaluation.
  2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of various online data sources

Keywords: Data/Surveillance, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CSN National Injury Data Technical Assistance Center, Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA