Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110011

Roberto Avitia, PHN, BSN and Sharon Trucker, RN, MS. Public Health Nursing Administration, County of Los Angeles, Department of Health Services, Public Health, 241 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 347, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 989-7195, ravitia@ladhs.org

Los Angeles County, Public Health Nursing (LAC PHN) Staff provides population based services to almost ten million people in a geographical area encompassing over 4000 square miles. Approximately 200 Public Health Nurses (PHNs) provide generalist public health nursing services across the county. In addition, approximately 200 PHNs provide services to specific target populations in thirteen different programs. With a team of over 400 PHNs, effective internal communication can be a challenge. E-health applications, which include the internet and intranet, can help facilitate communication by:

1) providing a system to distribute organizational information. 2) delivering education and training. 3) providing a clearing house for health education material. 4) providing a recruitment vehicle.

This presentation will focus on how internal communications have been strengthened through the enhancement of e-health applications in the LAC PHN Division. Based on an assessment of the LAC PHN websites, an extensive literature review, and evidence-based guidelines, both the LAC PHN internet and intranet sites are undergoing significant improvements. This presentation will share with participants the steps that have been taken to improve e-health applications in an effort to strengthen internal communication lines.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• identify three benefits of an effective e-health application system.
• identify two best practice guidelines for development/enhancement of organizational internet and intranet sites.
• discuss how e-health applications such as the internet and intranet can improve internal communications.

Keywords: Communication Technology, Information Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.