Swimming Upstream: Developing a New STD Data System in Washington State

Washington State transitioned in 2008 to a statewide surveillance and patient management system called Public Health Issues Management System – Sexually Transmitted Diseases (PHIMS-STD).  We adapted an existing local STD database and migrated almost 20 years of case and interview data, and over 50 years of syphilis registry information into PHIMS-STD.  Strengths include timeliness, flexibility, ability to work cases inter-jurisdictionally, capacity to import data from other sources, report and export functionality, and storage of geo-coded addresses.  Challenges include resources for ongoing maintenance, enhancements and training.  Future improvements include incorporating electronic laboratory reports, adding messaging functionality, and additional integration with HIV programs.