Harmonization of Electronic Laboratory Reporting Systems (ELRS): Engaging National and International Partners Towards Development and Implementation of Harmonized Standards

Background. One of the major goals of public health is an early detection and rapid response to potentially catastrophic infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies that originate domestically and abroad. Building capacity through a network of interoperable national an international laboratory systems is a key strategy for achieving of this essential goal.

Objective.

Our objective was to assess the progress and opportunities of NCPHI and it's national and international partners in a development of surveillance systems that adhere to

WHO/HMN/global/national standards for laboratory surveillance.

Methods. We analyzed public health data collected by NCPHI systems with respect to standards used, gaps, and the need for development of new standards.

Results. NCPHI works on improvement of CDC enterprise architecture (EA) aligned with the federal EA. This development incorporates three essential principles, such as structure, reuse, and alignment. Our presentation demonstrates a role of those EA principles in a development of a national and international collaboration towards gathering of electronic laboratory data, knowledge management system on laboratory tests (LOINC) and electronic reporting (SNOMED), and progression towards harmonized international surveillance system. We define criteria for best options for reporting systems available from existing standards.

Conclusion.

National and international bodies need to collaborate in gathering laboratory data and managing resulting knowledge, developing electronically-interpretable case definitions, and moving towards harmonized international surveillance reporting.

Harmonization of standards for messages transmission and content continues to be one of the biggest challenges of public health and requires further strengthening of a global collaboration.