Background:
Since 1998, staff with training in data management, epidemiology, and statistics have been part of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) STD Control Program. They have made important contributions to program operations.

Objective:
To describe and evaluate the benefits that can be realized by investing in trained epidemiologic and data management staff.

Method:
We will describe charts, graphs, maps, reports, and analyses that are created by epidemiology staff and how they inform STD program practices.

Result:
The contributions of epidemiology staff include:
1. OUTBREAK SURVEILLANCE - Weekly reports provide counts of reported morbidity stratified by demographic and behavioral factors. By comparing these counts to thresholds, disease outbreaks can be identified and interventions targeted to population subgroups with high disease incidence.
2. GIS ANALYSIS - Geographic analysis of case and contact residence allows staff to identify geographic clustering of morbidity, identify pockets of disease transmission, and target intervention activities for different areas of the city.
3. PROGRAM EVALUATION – Analysis of STD reinfection rates has been used to refine screening programs and modify retesting protocols.
4. MODELING - Cost effectiveness evaluation and disease transmission modeling are important for demonstrating the viability of programs and the impact that they have on disease in the community.


Conclusion:
Data Analysts and Epidemiologists can provide STD Control Program management with the information needed to maximize the impact of traditional program operations and develop new, effective strategies.

Implications:
Integrating data analysts and epidemiologists with STD program staff can improve program effectiveness.