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Interoperability is an essential theme of the US Federal Health Information Technology Strategic Plan as well as the ability to effectively exchange information using specific data and technical standards. In an effort to accelerate the development of a national standards-based electronic data-sharing network, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) have launched a number of Technical Assistance Projects. These targeted initiatives continue to expand and scale to improve the informatics capabilities and bolster electronic messaging exchanges throughout the country in both the Public Health Agency and Laboratory settings. After spending years mastering the essential design for successful targeted Technical Assistance approach, subject matter experts will share tools and reusable methodologies from various projects, as well as ways to get more involved in ongoing local initiatives.
The genesis for the Technical Assistance Approach came from the hardships encountered by Public Health Agencies and Laboratories setting up standardized electronic data exchange projects. Luckily, this gap was filled by personnel and subject matter expertise gaps to reach goals set by epidemiologists, laboratories, or Information Technology staff. Subject matter experts were provided by APHL and supported by CDC to shepherd the proposed projects through to effective and timely conclusion. For multiple years, solutions proposed from early projects still prove successful.
A detailed review of case scenarios from completed Technical Assistance efforts established at both Public Health Agency and Laboratories will be presented. Also, a comprehensive walk thru of best practices and lessons learned will be demonstrated, so other interested in messaging efforts can capitalize on the knowledge base already established by this tried and true approach to Technical Assistance.