Oregon Public Health Connection An e-bulletin co-produced by the Oregon Public Health Division, DHS, and the Oregon Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) May 28, 2008 Vol. 3, No. 5 In This Issue • TOP PRIORITY: Public Health’s evolving use of technology • BEST PRACTICES: County best practices in Multnomah-Clackamas- Washington regarding combined Perinatal Hepatitis B program • NEW ADDITIONS: The PH state-county bulletin editorial board 2008-2009, PH Accolades Latest Links Community Health & Health Planning Epinephrine Training Community Liaison County HD Jobs Directory Disease Prevention & Epidemiology CD Summary: Breastfeeding OPCC Listservs Electronic Lab Reporting Join Oregon AWARE Environmental Health Food Handler Cards PBDE Flame Retardants Pool Training Manual Family Health OFH Updates 5.13.08 Family Planning Newsletter Oregon State Public Health Laboratory Guide to Services Practitioner's Manual CLHO Exec Comm. & Coalition Minutes Top Priority: Public Health’s Evolving Use of Technology (Editor’s Note: This issue of the PH-County bulletin is focused on Public Health’s creative uses of technology in recent years. Included in this issue are updates on the Public Health Information Network (PHIN); the Oregon Health Alert Network (HAN); the ALERT immunization information system; technologies used recently by the WIC program; the OPHD Web site; and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Virtual JIC.) THEN… This early 1980s model was one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s first portable computers. With 64K RAM, it weighed 24.5 pounds. The new technology at that time allowed Epidemic Intelligence Service officers to more accurately gather and transport data in the field. (Courtesy of the CDC. This early model was the Global Health Odyssey’s Historical Object of the Month, 2004. ) NOW… Oregon’s “virtual” joint information center (JIC) operates as part of the Oregon Public Health Division’s Agency Operations Center (AOC), allowing interaction among multiple incident-management sites to help ensure delivery of consistent and timely information. The division’s Web- based virtual JIC has been nationally recognized and is a model for applications of this type. Oregon Public Health Information Network – First to use Secure PHIN Messaging Service The Oregon Public Health Division (OPHD) has been working collaboratively across offices and programs and with public health partners to implement information systems that meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pubic Health Information Network (PHIN) requirements. PHIN is a framework for information systems that promotes the use of industry and health information standards to promote interoperable information systems and to support public health at the national, state and local levels. PHIN requirements focus on exchanging, communicating and protecting data using electronic information systems. OPHD has established a public health enterprise-wide PHIN roadmap and governance process to engage stakeholders, including counties through the CLHO-IS subcommittee, to promote reusable technical architecture components, interoperability and standards. Oregon is the first state to use the secure PHIN-messaging service (PHIN-MS) to send disease-specific (Varicella) data to CDC using the Health Level-7 standard messaging format. Oregon’s common PHIN messaging service architecture should allow various OPHD programs and applications to reuse this service. OPHD is working with information technology and information security partners to conduct security vulnerability assessments and set policies to insure security, redundancy, and availability for key PHIN-related applications. OPHD is working on a common public health directory pilot that works across key PHIN application directories to share contact information. For more information, contact Steve Modesitt, RN, MPH, Information Systems Coordinator, Oregon Public Health Division, DHS, 971-673-1293 or [email protected]
Transcript
Oregon Public Health Connection
An e-bulletin co-produced by the Oregon Public Health Division, DHS, and the Oregon Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO)
May 28, 2008 Vol. 3, No. 5
In This Issue • TOP PRIORITY: Public
Health’s evolving use of technology
• BEST PRACTICES: County best practices in Multnomah-Clackamas-Washington regarding combined Perinatal Hepatitis B program
• NEW ADDITIONS: The PH state-county bulletin editorial board 2008-2009, PH Accolades
Latest Links
Community Health & Health Planning Epinephrine Training
Community Liaison County HD Jobs Directory
Disease Prevention & Epidemiology
CD Summary: Breastfeeding
OPCC Listservs
Electronic Lab Reporting
Join Oregon AWARE
Environmental Health Food Handler Cards
PBDE Flame Retardants
Pool Training Manual
Family Health OFH Updates 5.13.08
Family Planning Newsletter
Oregon State Public Health Laboratory
Guide to Services
Practitioner's Manual
CLHO
Exec Comm. & Coalition Minutes
Top Priority: Public Health’s Evolving Use of Technology (Editor’s Note: This issue of the PH-County bulletin is focused on Public Health’s creative uses of technology in recent years. Included in this issue are updates on the Public Health Information Network (PHIN); the Oregon Health Alert Network (HAN); the ALERT immunization information system; technologies used recently by the WIC program; the OPHD Web site; and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Virtual JIC.)
THEN… This early 1980s model was one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s first portable computers. With 64K RAM, it weighed 24.5 pounds. The new technology at that time allowed Epidemic Intelligence Service officers to more accurately gather and transport data in the field. (Courtesy of the CDC. This early model was the Global Health Odyssey’s Historical Object of the Month, 2004. )
NOW…
Oregon’s “virtual” joint information center (JIC) operates as part of the Oregon Public Health Division’s Agency Operations Center (AOC), allowing interaction among multiple incident-management sites to help ensure delivery of consistent and timely information. The division’s Web-based virtual JIC has been nationally recognized and is a model for applications of this type.
Oregon Public Health Information Network – First to use Secure PHIN Messaging Service
The Oregon Public Health Division (OPHD) has been working collaboratively across offices and programs and with public health partners to implement information systems that meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pubic Health Information Network (PHIN) requirements. PHIN is a framework for information systems that promotes the use of industry and health information standards to promote interoperable information systems and to support public health at the national, state and local levels.
PHIN requirements focus on exchanging, communicating and protecting data using electronic information systems. OPHD has established a public health enterprise-wide PHIN roadmap and governance process to engage stakeholders, including counties through the CLHO-IS subcommittee, to promote reusable technical architecture components, interoperability and standards. Oregon is the first state to use the secure PHIN-messaging service (PHIN-MS) to send disease-specific (Varicella) data to CDC using the Health Level-7 standard messaging format. Oregon’s common PHIN messaging service architecture should allow various OPHD programs and applications to reuse this service.
OPHD is working with information technology and information security partners to conduct security vulnerability assessments and set policies to insure security, redundancy, and availability for key PHIN-related applications. OPHD is working on a common public health directory pilot that works across key PHIN application directories to share contact information.
For more information, contact Steve Modesitt, RN, MPH, Information Systems Coordinator, Oregon Public Health Division, DHS, 971-673-1293 or [email protected]
OREGON PUBLIC HEALTH CONNECTION EDITORIAL BOARD COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES: LISA AVILA, Klamath County KENT BURTNER, Washington County ELLEN LARSEN, Hood River County MARK ORNDOFF, Jackson County ARLENE WARREN, Multnomah County LINDA FLEMING, CLHO PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION REPRESENTATIVES: MELLONY BERNAL, Office of Community Health and Health Planning MICHAEL HEUMANN, MATT JAQUA, MARIA SMITH, Office of Environmental Health PEGGY HILLMAN, ADRIENNE HANLEY, Office of Family Health JENNY LEE BERRY, Office of Multicultural Health TERRY CRANDALL, Oregon State Public Health Laboratory BETH CRANE, Public Health Emergency Preparedness ROCKE KLOCKNER, Public Health Program Operations BONNIE WIDERBURG, PH Communication Officer TRISH NEIWORTH, Office of Community Liaison Oregon Public Health Connection is a monthly e-bulletin produced jointly by the Oregon Public Health Division and the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO). Information in the state-county bulletin is public. Please share the bulletin with others as appropriate or re-use the information provided in your local publications or newsletters.
For other related questions, suggestions, or other feedback, contact Oregon Public Health Division, Community Liaison, Community Outreach Coordinator, [email protected]
Oregon Health Alert Network (HAN) Upgrades; HOSCAP Training Programs The Oregon Health Alert Network (HAN) system was upgraded in December 2007, which included a stand alone, out-of-state backup system. It fits within the overall CDC Public Health Information Network (PHIN) technology framework and is also funded by CDC. HAN offers online collaboration tools on its SharePoint system, secure alert messaging, and a comprehensive secure directory of users for state public health, other state agencies, every local health department, every hospital, seven tribes, and multiple Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). A new training program is underway. Each county and hospital has a designated system administrator who manages local users. The Oregon Hospital Capacity Web site now resides within HAN and offers real-time capacity, supply, and emergency department status online for select HAN users. Hospitals update their capacity information regularly (at least daily). During exercises and actual emergencies, they provide more frequent capacity updates to provide situational awareness. The new HOSCAP is also undergoing a major version upgrade this fall that will enhance its capabilities based on user input and guidance from the HOSCAP Advisory Committee. The Oregon Public Health Division is currently finalizing an online interactive tutorial with Planet Productions to allow users to take training remotely, on demand. To get involved with HAN, contact your local health department, hospital, or [email protected]
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Virtual Joint Information Center (JIC)
In the event of a major public health emergency, it is crucial to quickly provide people with the information they need to make appropriate decisions to protect their health. Mixed or inconsistent messages from multiple sources lead to public confusion, frustration, and lack of trust for those in authority. Oregon’s “virtual” Joint Information Center (JIC) on the secure Health Alert Network provides an easily accessible and user-friendly Web site for sharing information among Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other emergency responders.
Information posted on the site helps provide the public with accurate information regarding exposure, symptoms and treatment options, which can significantly reduce the demand for unnecessary medical treatment. The virtual JIC allows interaction among multiple sites, and helps ensure the delivery of consistent, timely information to those who need it. The virtual JIC uses networking technology to link all responding PIOs and to collect information from across a wide geographic area. It serves as a clearinghouse for information from many sources and assembles it in one place. Multiple responding entities may contribute information through the virtual JIC. These include state agencies, local health departments and hospitals, county and city governments, and others. The Oregon Public Health Division virtual JIC is a national award-winning communication tool and a national model for applications of its type. The virtual JIC has been used and tested extensively during three statewide full-scale exercises. During the 2007 winter storm event, there were more than 900 logins to the virtual JIC.
For more information, contact J. Christie Holmgren, APR, Public Information Officer, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Oregon Public Health Division, DHS, 971-673-1310 or [email protected]
New Integrated Immunization Information System on its way for Oregon
ALERT is a statewide population-based immunization information system, developed to achieve complete and timely immunization of all children (0 to 18 years). A major barrier to maintaining a high immunization rate is difficulty keeping immunization records accurate and up-to-date.
ALERT helps by collecting immunization data from public and private healthcare providers and consolidating the records for use in clinics, schools, and facilities. High participation by both the private and public sector contributed to its success and new legislation was enacted in 2008 to expand it to a lifespan registry.
IRIS is the data system used as the medical record for immunization services provided by 29 local health departments throughout the state. IRIS and ALERT were developed side-by-side and at the time they were both needed – ALERT was created by statute to be a registry of all immunizations statewide while IRIS was added to provide a patient-based record for county health departments and other agencies. Over time, operating two systems has become redundant. There is also a recognized need for greater interoperability. Oregon is also preparing for much-needed real-time interaction with upcoming requirements from the CDC for: ● Vaccine Ordering and Distribution System (VODS) which will track vaccines supplied by the CDC for eligible Oregon residents; ● Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) which is an inventory tracking of vaccine, antibiotics, and other health-related products distributed as the result of a declared disaster; and ● Countermeasure Response Administration (CRA) which tracks persons who have been recipients of countermeasure products in response to an emergency. As a result, the decision was made to combine the functions with final requirements for a new, integrated system currently under development. The system is predicted to be operational statewide by late 2009.
For more information, contact Mary Beth Kurillo, MPH, MWS, Director, ALERT Immunization Registry, , 971-673-0294 or [email protected]
Public Health Accolades SUSAN P. GREATHOUSE, State Nutrition Coordinator, WIC Program, Oregon Public Health Division, DHS has been named as the Western regional representative for the National WIC Association.
TOM R. ENGLE, Community Liaison, Oregon Public Health Division, DHS was recently awarded the Public Health Nurse Leadership award by the OPHA Nursing Section at their annual celebration of PH nursing.
Partner Links Oregon Department of Education
Asthma in the Classroom, page 11
OHSU School of Nursing
Graduate Certificate in PH
Oregon Department of Human Services
Community Budget Forums
PH: In the News Water Project: Benton CountyA water policy and supply plan to address the growing water supply issues in the area.
Restaurants: Clackamas County Clackamas County Community Health has begun posting restaurant inspection information on the county’s website.
Donation: Washington County Oregon Health & Science University presented automatic electronic defibrillators, or AEDs, to Virginia Garcia Clinics. OHSU had acquired a number of the devices for a clinical trial and had finished using them. OHSU donated to Virginia Garcia clinics in Cornelius and Beaverton.
Groundwater: Umatilla County The Umatilla County Critical Groundwater Task Force is charged with identifying and implementing technically and economically feasible measures to enhance and protect groundwater quality and quantity and ensure the public is included in all aspects of the planning process. Water Supply: Yamhill County The final water analysis and summary is now available for viewing. This includes an executive summary and a supply analysis report.
Oregon Public Health Division Web site: Improvements on the Horizon The Oregon Public Health Division Web site, consisting of thousands of Web pages, is undergoing changes that will streamline the site, improve functionality and usability, and provide the general public ways to more easily find information, publications, and other items. OPHD Web Coordinator Rocke Klockner and Web Analyst Hanna Swenson will be working with program staff on implementing the improvements beginning this summer. The OPHD Web site can be accessed at: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/index.shtml
OSPHL: New Tuberculosis Infection Testing Simplifies Logistics Effective April 28, the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory began offering the QuantiFERON® TB Gold In-Tube assay for the detection of cellular immune response to proteins specifically associated with tuberculosis infection. The QuantiFERON Gold offers increased sensitivity and specificity compared to the Tuberculin Skin test. The new In-Tube format will simplify testing logistics by providing a greater window of time for transport and delivery of specimens to the laboratory. Specimens can now be delivered to the lab within 16 hours of collection, as late as 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information, please call 503-693-4100.
Best Practices: Tri-County Perinatal Hepatitis B Program Saves Costs
Sharon Shakya, RN, MCHD, administers a vaccination.
Each local health department in Oregon is mandated by state statute to provide case management services to all pregnant women who are infected with Hepatitis B, and to their newborns and members of their households. In an effort to increase efficiency, decrease program costs, and increase the number of women and infants served, the county health departments in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington, in collaboration with the state, redesigned their perinatal hepatitis B programs. The redesign included combining these programs and adding a bilingual tracking coordinator to assist. This cut administrative costs and duplication of services.
Many clients in this program are non-English speaking immigrants and refugees from Vietnam. The tracking coordinator, Phuonganh Tran, is bilingual in Vietnamese and ensures that care provided is culturally and linguistically competent. The program redesign allows the nurse case managers to focus on clients instead of paperwork. Multnomah County partnered with the Asian Family Center to provide the screening and immunizations in April of this year to 129 clients. Approximately 67 percent of the adults screened were either infected with hepatitis B or had a past history of infection; 33 percent of those were susceptible to the disease and needed immunizations. In addition, 26 children and 99 adults received the vaccine. Four more clinics are planned in partnership with the Asian Family Center in 2008.
For more information, contact Arlene Warren, RN, MSA, Multnomah County Health Department, 503-988-3663, ext. 24649
Oregon WIC: New Technologies – Webcasts and Video Conferences Webcast: On April 17, WIC partnered with the Oregon State Extension Service to sponsor an interactive video webcast from Iowa State Extension. The goal of the webcast titled, “Nutrition Education: What Works?” was to review the role of nutrition education in changing health behaviors. About 30 people participated in Portland and Hermiston locations including representatives from local WIC agencies, the Office of Family Health, the Oregon Dairy Council, the Oregon Department of Education, and OHSU nutritionists. The overall response from the webcast participants was very positive. Video Conferences – OWCA: On April 18, the Oregon WIC Coordinators Association (OWCA) meeting was held via video conference, the first OWCA meeting using this technology. As many as 23 WIC coordinators at seven sites around the state participated. The focus of the meeting was providing technical assistance in preparing their annual nutrition education plans. Fresh Choices Informational Sessions for Vendors: The vendor team put on four Fresh Choices informational sessions by videoconference. Vendors participated from seven sites statewide and in person. Approximately 179 people attended, representing 121 stores. Participants were able to see other participants make presentations via television. Vendors were appreciative of the opportunity to participate from their own communities. Fresh Choices TWIST Work Group: TWIST – The WIC Information System Tracker – is the name of the Oregon WIC Program data system. The TWIST work group put on two video presentations to gather local agency staff input on proposed changes in TWIST functionality. These presentations were broadcast from PSOB, with approximately seven to nine participants at each session.
For more information, contact Adrienne P. Hanley, MPH, CHES, Public Health Educator, Oregon State WIC Program, 971-673-0054
