91: Improving Public Health by Modernizing Data Exchange

Public Health Review

The landscape of public health data is changing. This episode dives into the importance of modernizing data exchange for a more efficient and effective public health system. We explore a framework that utilizes cloud services, open-source software, and open data standards to revolutionize how public health data is collected, shared, and analyzed.

This innovative approach outlines tools to reduce manual effort and streamline data flow across various sources, ultimately empowering state, tribal, local, and territorial health agencies (STLTs) to improve public health outcomes.

Join us as we hear national and state perspectives on data modernization initiatives, including valuable insights, experiences, and recommendations on workforce, policy, and funding to prepare for a future of cloud-based data sharing. This episode is a must-listen for public health professionals looking to harness the power of modern technologies to improve public health data exchange and ultimately, the well-being of their communities.

Speakers:

· Rachelle Boulton, MSPH: Health Informatics Program Manager, Division of Population Health, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

· Tabatha Offutt-Powell, DrPH, MPH: Vice President, Public Health Data Modernization and Informatics, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Resources:

· The North Star Architecture framework is one way CDC has been talking about improving data exchange and leveraging cloud technologies. The themes and tools described as part of North Star Architecture are also connected to other opportunities and initiatives at CDC and with public health partners. We expect this to continue to evolve.

· CDC Data Modernization Initiative provides a comprehensive overview of national efforts to modernize public health data collection, sharing, and analysis.

· CDC Public Health Data Strategy details a comprehensive strategy and goal-oriented plan for leveraging data to improve public health outcomes across the nation.

· Data Pipeline Pilot Project is a CDC and United States Digital Service (USDS) initiative co-piloted with the Virginia Department of Health that led to the creation of a prototype cloud-based data processing pipeline that validates, ingests, and links data across multiple data streams.

· Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) outlines a national vision for public health data and the data, technology, policy, and administrative actions essential to exchange core data efficiently and securely across healthcare and public health.

· CDC Data Enterprise Exchange (DEX) is a cloud-based service that streamlines data exchange between STLTs and CDC through a centralized entry point, accepts data in various formats from public health partners, and utilizes modern Application Programming Interface (APIs) for secure and efficient data exchange.

· CDC is working closely with partners through a number of initiatives to advance interoperability. This page covers several of these with access to additional resources and information.