Assessing the Critical Capacity of Local Health Departments in Support of State and National Health IT Goals

The National Association of County and City Health Officials has assessed local health departments' (LHDs) readiness to receive data (immunizations, lab reporting, and syndromic surveillance) as part of the meaningful use program. While eligible providers and hospitals must be able to transmit information to LHDs in one or more of the areas, there are greater incentives to the public health system that should be underscored. This research will examine LHDs readiness and barriers to receiving electronic health information from clinicians.

NACCHO used mixed methods to examine and assess meaningful use readiness. NACCHO completed a thorough Needs Assessment of Local Health Departments' informatics capacity in 2010. The purpose of the assessment was to determine what informatics capacity exists, and to identify barriers that may prevent LHDs from becoming meaningful users and participants in the Nationwide Health Information Network. NACCHO administered a web-based survey using a nationally representative stratified random sample of 750 LHDs. In-person focus groups were also used to collect data. NACCHO is using the results of the assessments to influence national decisions about health IT to influence the development of resources and technical assistance for LHDs.

In addition to describing the results of NACCHO's Informatics Needs Assessment, presenters will provide specific examples of how LHDS are beginning to address capacity deficiencies by sharing tools, and practical strategies for overcoming barriers.