Characterizing the Informatics Capacities and Needs of Local Health Departments in a Post-Affordable Care Act Landscape

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

11-3-2015

Abstract or Description

Background: Health informatics realities of local health departments (LHDs) are profoundly influenced by dramatic gains in health informatics functionality in healthcare, a call for integration of public health and healthcare, and impacts of Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Research Objectives/Purpose: (1) Characterize information systems used by LHDs, their level of interoperability and related issues. (2) Examine the impact of Affordable Care Act on the informatics needs and responsibilities of LHDs.

Methods: Primary data were collected from key informant interviews in late 2014 from 50 leaders of LHDs across the US. Data were coded thematically and independently in batches by two researchers.

Principal Findings: Results show wide variability in the types of systems LHDs utilize, as well as the availability of formal data collection and management technologies. This was a function of LHD size, statutory responsibilities, local county context, and governance. Interoperability of information systems is the exception, not the rule. Lack of interoperability results in duplication of efforts in data entry and is caused by incremental development of health information systems, system development in silos. Majority of LHDs had not seen any direct impact of the ACA policies on their informatics capacity. However, indirect impacts were unavoidable and often desirable. Benefits included changed informatics needs and functionality as greater exchange of information is happening between the hospital and the health department, and greater interaction between hospitals and LHDs, leading to opportunities for building trust and exchanging data for better syndromic surveillance and health needs assessments.

Conclusions: Even with significant constraints, a reasonably bright, if uncertain, future for public health informatics is eminent in the post ACA era. Uptake of more advanced systems and analytic strategies appears contingent on funding, training, and good partnerships by public and private organizations are available to protect and improve population health.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

American Public Health Association Annual Meeting (APHA)

Location

Chicago, IL

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