Implementing Open Government to Improve Health

Background: 

An Open Government is one that is transparent, publishing government data that generates significant benefit for citizens and which helps the public hold the government accountable. An Open Government embraces the notion of public participation in the work of government. And it's one that is effective at encouraging collaboration across the government and outside of government. An Open Government is one that works better by leveraging the principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration to deliver better results to the American people. Pew Internet & American Life Project recently found that "a large number of citizens are showing interest" in open government activities, with 40% of adult internet users reporting they have gone online to monitor government activities. The Pew report goes on to state that, "these new tools show particular appeal to groups that have historically lagged in their use of other online government offerings in particular, minority Americans. Latinos and African Americans are just as likely as whites to use these tools to keep up with government, and are much more likely to agree that government outreach using these channels makes government more accessible and helps people be more informed about what government agencies are doing."

Program background: 

The Open Government Initiative, a relatively new directive from the White House, charges all agencies to improve transparency, participation and collaboration. Social collaboration tools, open government concepts, real-time technical applications and social media are changing the way the American public receive and interact with health information and the way government agencies can disseminate information and interact with target audiences. These tools and concepts can also increase the effectiveness of health messages and interventions by fostering trust and credibility. Additionally, using innovative technologies to connect citizens and partners can improve information dissemination and engagement with messages. 

Evaluation Methods and Results: 

CDC has implemented many of projects that furthers open government and has assessed the effectiveness of several activities by reviewing metrics from CDC.gov and several analytics programs.  Additionally, CDC evaluates CDC.gov users and has found them to be very familiar with digital media-- with online videos, text messages, email updates and social networks the most popular. In addition, anecdotal reports of increased awareness and positive health impact were reported through digital outlets, especially those that improve participation, collaboration and transparency.  

Conclusions: 

Understanding open government and the plan developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is necessary for all Federal health communicators.  Using the tools and concepts of open government can improve the effectiveness of health communications efforts and have shown to improve trust, satisfaction and dissemination of important health messages.

Implications for research and/or practice: 

Open government activities can strengthen health communication efforts.  Using the open government tools and concepts highlighted in this presentation will be important for Federal groups as the directive rolls out, and for all health communicators to use to improve health communications practice and public satisfaction and trust, as well as growing consumer expectations.