Omaha System in Minnesota: Innovations in practice

Background and Issues: An expected and desired goal of public health informatics is the re-use of clinical data to improve public health interventions. Large Omaha System data sets are becoming available as agencies adopt and use electronic documentation systems to guide, document, and evaluate care. However, few agencies have expertise or resources to meet this goal. Description: St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health in Minnesota sought to collaborate with University of Minnesota informatics researchers to increase capacity to re-use Omaha System data. Their goals were to use information to support rigorous program evaluation and evidence-based practice, disseminate findings to support informatics efforts in local public health settings, and to contribute to new knowledge of public health practice. Research questions have been suggested by agency leadership and practicing public health nurses (PHNs). Researchers and students participated in devising study methods and analyzing data. The primary focus of the initiatives has been data and practice quality, with three resulting publications. New inter-rater reliability activities and caseload management systems have been implemented to support PHN data and practice quality. Lessons Learned: This mutually beneficial collaboration between a local public health agency and a research-intensive university has added capacity in data management and analysis within the agency, and provided opportunities for researchers to work with rich clinical data and PHNs. Ramsey County residents benefit from the public health department's commitment to improving care quality and outcomes. Recommendations: Rigorous, practice-driven evaluation using Omaha System data can inform important clinical questions and support PHN care quality.