Practical Assessment of health information technology as a tool for performance improvement and the national accreditation of local health departments

Informaticians who are well grounded in public health have a unique combination of knowledge and skills that the LHD can exploit. Informaticians are, by the nature of their work, familiar with all the data sources available. Through their role in development, implementation, support, and training, they are familiar with most, if not all, of the LHD’s programmatic efforts. Finally, they create and utilize tools that are adaptable to other uses. 

The tools used to analyze and redesign business process, including reviewing work processes, creating specifications, requirements, test and building information system applications can be applied more broadly to evaluate public health programs.  The skills and knowledge of informaticians about the work processes and information resources of the LHD provide a valuable opportunity for assuring that the evidence needed for accreditation is developed, maintained and available.  This presentation will describe two examples of using informaticians and informatics tools to promote and enhance the public health enterprise. 

•  Creation of a business plan (business case) for Public Health Clinic services evaluated how well the program met population-based outcomes in relation to resources allocated.  The change strategy developed has already yielded significant improvements in population-based outcomes in the first year of implementation.
• Practical approach to assuring access to illustrative evidence needed for accreditation

Informaticians provided leadership, neutral ground for discussion of change, access to all information resources, a structured process for decision-making and implementing decisions and knowledge management.  The LHD found that a consistent application of informatics tools, persistent set of evaluative questions, and a spark of creativity can transform a “problem” into an asset.