269315 Data democratization: A case study for designing and implementing a population health data platform among rural counties in California's community transformation initiative

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Amy Neuwelt, MPH , Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oakland, CA
Jessica Tomlinson, JD , PHI Central Office, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA
Carmen R. Nevarez, MD, MPH , Public Heath Institute, Oakland, CA
     
Background: There is strong momentum within public health to harness population-level datasets for community health needs assessments, asset mapping, epidemiologic analyses, strategic planning, and evaluation. The Public Health Institute is working in partnership with the Center for Applied Research and Environmental Systems (CARES) and the Institute for People, Place and Possibility (IP3) to implement an online data and content management system for rural counties to work collaboratively on the California Community Transformation Initiative (CACTI). The system, called Public Health Data Solutions (PHDS), allows county partners to visualize their program data, monitor performance, generate population health reports, and map local and regional health indicators. The system also serves as an online communications forum for geographically dispersed stakeholders to share information and resources.

Objective/Purpose: To design, pilot, and implement an online data and content management system for state and county-level partners participating in a state-wide community transformation initiative.

Methods: Program leaders worked with a design team to create a customized online system built on the CARES GIS data engine. Population health data layers were aligned with the program's four strategic directions (tobacco free living, active living and healthy eating, clinical preventive services, and healthy physical environments). Social determinant indicators were also highlighted within the system. Focus groups and pilot testing were conducted among state and county-level partners to assess end user needs.

Results: A population-level data platform and content management system was successfully introduced to partners at rural health departments throughout the state. User feedback was instrumental towards improving system quality and utility.

Discussion/Conclusion: GIS mapping and visually appealing data reports bring meaning to population level data and are useful advocacy tools for community stakeholders, policy makers, and funders. Strategic investment in a data visualization and content management system is a feasible and innovative method to connect regionally dispersed program partners.

Learning Areas:
Administration, management, leadership
Chronic disease management and prevention
Communication and informatics

Learning Objectives:
1.List the features and functionality of a data visualization and content management system. 2.Describe the significance of disseminating population health data in a visually appealing format. 3.Explain the utility of a platform for peer exchange and collaboration among regionally dispersed partners.

Keywords: Information Systems, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project lead for Public Health Data Solutions at the Public Health Institute.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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