LI Course
CE Hours: 6 contact hours

Partnership: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics

Statement of Purpose and Institute Overview: The purpose of this institute is to facilitate the use of the wealth of data and resources from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). NCHS is the nation's principal health statistics agency, providing data to identify and address health issues. NCHS compiles statistical information to help guide public health and health policy decisions. Researchers, policymakers, public health practitioners, journalists, students and others rely upon these data to identify health problems, risk factors and disease patterns; plan and assess public health programs; and compare populations, providers and geographic areas. Participants will be introduced to the portfolio of NCHS data sets, including data collection methods, analytic considerations, data findings, and methods of data access. Examples will be presented on use of data from each of the major NCHS data systems, as well as how to use data from multiple sources, to help understand the population's health, influences on health, and health outcomes. Experts from each of the major NCHS program areas will contribute to the presentation, and participants will be encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance about their particular information needs.

Session Objectives: 1. List one example of the type of data collected from each of the major NCHS data systems. 2. Describe three ways that NCHS makes information available to data users 3. Identify two examples of NCHS data access tools.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)