5163.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 3:00 PM

Abstract #31860

Integrating preventive health information systems - what are the issues?

David Ross, Kristin Saarlas, and Alan Hinman. Task Force for Child Survival and Development, All Kids Count, 750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400, Decatur, GA 30030, 404-371-0466, dross@taskforce.org

Integrating preventive health information systems presents technical, organizational and political challenges. Preventive health information systems involve public and private healthcare organizations and providers; begin with birth and progress across the life course; and support assessment, assurance and policy development. Preventive health systems supporting population-based assessment have characteristics readily served by executive information approaches and data warehouses. Assurance-oriented preventive programs serving providers in an interactive manner (e.g., immunization registries) constitute a different business process and require specialized transaction-oriented database technologies.

Integrated information systems are easiest to develop while developing integrated programs. Linking existing, categorical/stand-alone systems poses additional challenges. Understanding core business processes is essential to finding the opportunity to link or integrate systems in public health. Both internal and external dynamics must be factored into designing, planning, and executing systems that effectively serve the needs of integrated public health programs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able toL 1. List major issues that a systems integration project must address. 2. Articulate the trends in integration of child preventive health systems. 3. Specify 5 factors that are critical to successful system integration.

Keywords: Health Information Systems, Information System Integration

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.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA