Written by Nicole K. Sowers
For public health departments, caring for communities and ensuring they can track, monitor, and measure the value they bring is always important. When there is public health policy uncertainty and funding is in question, tracking with consistent data becomes vital to the survival of local health initiatives.
The political landscape today is in a constant state of flux, and public health is once again a target of cuts. For those on the frontlines of community health, this instability isn’t just an abstract concept; it directly impacts their ability to serve their communities.
Local health departments are the backbone of public health, providing vital services like immunizations, disease prevention, maternal and child health, blood lead screenings, developmental assessments, community health and education classes, and more. When public health policies change suddenly or funding is cut, it creates a ripple effect, disrupting established programs and hindering their ability to effectively address community needs.
APHA recently launched For Our Health, an “initiative…that brings together prominent experts and senior leaders in public health, health care, health sciences and social services to speak in support of public health and against policies that undermine evidence-based health initiatives weaken scientific institutions and endanger public health protections.”
How can local public health departments confidently prove their value when funding is questioned?
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- Maintain accurate and consistent data: Standardized taxonomies like the Omaha System ensure consistent documentation and reporting, regardless of policy changes. The Omaha System is a research-based, comprehensive practice and documentation-standardized taxonomy designed to enhance practice, documentation, and information management. Learn more about the Omaha System
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- Address the holistic needs of their communities by incorporating an emphasis on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH):
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- SDOH are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Learn more about Social Determinants of Health from the CDC and WHO.
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- Michal Cantor, in Integrating Data On Social Determinants Of Health Into Electronic Health Records, concludes that, “Widespread integration of data related to social determinants of health into electronic health records offers tremendous potential for improved care and health, including a better understanding of the influence of neighborhood characteristics on health, improved connections between providers of medical care and community services, and a chance to treat the ‘whole patient.'”
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- Address the holistic needs of their communities by incorporating an emphasis on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH):
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- Ensure continuity of care: Reliable EHR systems mean that patient records are always accessible, enabling seamless transitions and consistent care delivery.
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- Provide accurate reporting: The ability to generate accurate reports is crucial for demonstrating the impact of public health programs and advocating for continued funding.
Strategies for Maintaining Continuity During Public Health Policy Uncertainty
Data Standardization:
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- Implementing standardized taxonomies to ensure the work they do is documented and measurable. Using ICD codes is helpful, and adding a standardized taxonomy like the Omaha System, ensures consistent data collection and reporting. This allows for accurate tracking of health outcomes and facilitates effective communication across different agencies.
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- Standardized data is crucial for demonstrating the impact of public health programs and advocating for continued funding.
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- Integrating SDOH into patient records provides a holistic understanding of the factors influencing health outcomes.
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- Addressing SDOH, such as poverty, housing, and access to education, is essential for improving population health and reducing health disparities.
Robust Data Management Systems:
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- Reliable electronic health record (EHR) systems are vital for maintaining accurate and accessible patient records.
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- These systems should be capable of adapting to changing reporting requirements and facilitating seamless data sharing.
- An EHR system with the flexibility to allow an agency to build paper forms into electronic forms and to add screens and fields for data capture is essential.
Community Engagement:
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- Building strong relationships with community organizations and residents is crucial for understanding local needs and ensuring effective service delivery.
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- Open communication and collaboration can help build trust and support for public health initiatives.
Flexible Planning and Resource Allocation:
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- Developing contingency plans and maintaining flexible resource allocation strategies can help health departments adapt to unforeseen changes.
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- Prioritizing essential services and maximizing efficiency are crucial for maintaining core functions during periods of uncertainty.
By focusing on data standardization, addressing SDOH, implementing robust data management systems, engaging with communities, and maintaining flexible planning, local health departments navigate policy uncertainty and continue to fulfill their vital role in protecting and promoting public health.
Learn more about an EHR designed by and exclusively for local public health departments, and a company that has supported local public health for more than 40 years at champsoftware.com.
Resources for Further Information:
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH):
- The CDC and WHO provide valuable information on SDOH and their impact on health outcomes.
- Learn more about SDOH from the CDC
- Learn more about SDOH from the WHO
