BACKGROUND: How do we meet the data and information needs of staff and community partners? This question was presented by Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) leaders and staff during recent strategic planning. With the creation of Public Health Standards & Measures, WCHD had a growing sense of urgency to better manage and use information. While the starting point was uncertain at the time, WCHD committed to becoming an informatics-savvy health department as a critical infrastructure priority.
METHODS: A logic model was created for WCHD’s informatics project through formative, process and outcome evaluation planning efforts. Model development was informed by recommendations from CDC’s Developing an Effective Evaluation Plan workbook, Center for Training and Research Translation’s logic model and FSG’s Evaluating Complexity: Propositions for Improving Practice and Public Health Informatics Institutes’ Informatics-Savvy Health Department resources.
RESULTS: The formative evaluation process led to the identification of key inputs (e.g., staffing, resources, partnerships, models, theories) and activities (e.g., assessments, trainings, team meetings) which created the foundation of the logic model. From this, process evaluation guided the inputs and activities to measurable outputs such as Informatics Team charter and learning plan, data system mapping with system efficiencies identified and data governance guidelines. As a final step in the development of the logic model, outcome evaluation was used to assess the overall impact the project would have on building an informatics-savvy health department which encompasses a strong informatics vision, strategy and governance, skilled workforce and well-designed and effectively used information systems.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of a project logic model was a benefit to each developmental stage of the project: planning, implementation and maintenance. WCHD’s informatics logic model helped articulate to staff why implemented informatics-savvy strategies should result in stronger information governance and support a more skilled workforce. It is predicted that implementation of activities will enable staff and community partners to effectively use data and information to drive evidence-based /promising health interventions and improve population health.