Analysis of local health department web sites: An opportunity to improve community wellness

Background: To assess the extent to which local health departments are embracing e-government as a strategy to modify interactions between the department and the population in its jurisdictions to improve the health of the community, an analysis of all local health department web sites in 6 Midwestern states in the United States was completed in 2008 and again in 2011.

Objectives/Purpose: Establish a baseline measure of quality constructs of connectivity, function, accessibility, currency, interactivity, and viability of local health department web sites with a follow-up assessment to consider movement related to these measures over a three-year period.

Methods: Direct observation of web sites (n = 260); descriptive study

Results: Characteristics of local health department web sites are reported using measures articulated by NACCHO in its periodic local health department profile. To what extent are LHDs using websites as a communication strategy and a means of facilitating interactions with the public and others with whom the health department conducts business is addressed. Discussion/Conclusions: Questions to be discussed during the session include: On what level is local e-government delivering timely, applicable information and services? How well positioned are local health departments to respond to sophisticated e-commerce user demands for a level of service and responsiveness to which they have become accustom? What challenges do LHDs face in maximizing use of available technology?