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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Elaine Braccia, RN, Public Health Nursing, Stamford Health Department, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901, (203)977-4371, ebraccia@ci.stamford.ct.us, Johnnie A. Lee, MD, MPH, FACP, Stamford Department of Health and Social Services, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901, and Olga M. Brown-Vanderpool, BSN, MPH, MA, Nursing Services, Stamford Department of Health and Social Services, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT 06901.

The Stamford PHN evolved from manual data collection to a computer based program between 1978-1992. The PC System paved the way for the current database, which was built through the coordinated efforts of the Community Health Nurse and the City ‘s Information Technology, (IT) Technician. The program is a user-friendly program due to the Public Health Nurses' input in the formation of the database. This time saving program can be easily duplicated to help other PHN Departments' in urban, suburban and rural settings going on the computer. The purpose of the database tracking system is to manage the health care given to the children who visit the Wellness Clinic. This preventive childcare clinic includes physicals, immunizations, screenings and referrals. The time saved from computer driven quarterly and annual reports is invaluable.

The Public Health Nurses in turn have used the time saved, to keep the PHN more visible in the community. Other benefits include printing appointment letters; tracking on time immunization and identifying underserved pockets in the community. This program has also helped in the coordination of Public Health Programs and prevented the duplication of services. This database is useful in vaccine inventory and monitoring trends of vaccine usage. Increased networking and strengthened work relationships with IT will benefit future projects. Prior to the automation it took approximately two weeks to complete the State Well Child Clinic annual reports, because this had to be done in addition to the daily responsibilities.

Learning Objectives: