Integrating EDSS + IIS: Benefits, Approach, and Outcomes

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What will you learn?

Interoperability has always been an important concept in public health, but the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need now more than ever to push interoperability. Systems must be able to talk to one another and share data across public health domains and even across jurisdictions. Data siloes must be eliminated. But how?

In this webinar, we talk specifically about disease surveillance and immunization; two domains that would greatly benefit from interoperability during COVID-19 and beyond. We’ll cover the following:

• The benefits of creating interoperability between EDSS and IIS
• How to approach breaking down these data siloes and achieving interoperability
• Outcomes we’ve seen from integrating a jurisdiction’s EDSS and IIS

Fill out the form to get access to this on-demand webinar today!

View Integrating EDSS + IIS: Benefits, Approach, and Outcomes Webinar

 

FAQs:

1. What are the primary benefits of integrating IIS with other healthcare systems?

Integrating IIS (Immunization Information Systems) with other healthcare systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other databases, enhances patient care and public health management. Here’s a closer look at this dynamic:

• Improved Data Accuracy and Consistency: Integrating IIS with other healthcare systems helps ensure data is consistently updated across all connected systems. This reduces the likelihood of errors and discrepancies, giving healthcare providers and public health agencies access to accurate and up-to-date information to support clinical decisions and health initiatives.
• Streamlined Workflows: Integrating IIS with EHRs allows healthcare providers and public health agencies to access immunization records within their existing workflows, eliminating the need to switch between different systems. This streamlined access to comprehensive health information reduces administrative burden, allowing providers to focus more on patient care.
• Enhanced Patient Care Coordination: Integrated systems enable healthcare providers and public health agencies across different facilities to share and access patient immunization histories seamlessly. This helps maintain the correct vaccination schedules while supporting care continuity across different service points.

Integration helps create comprehensive patient health records by incorporating immunization data into the broader EHR systems. This holistic view of patient health helps providers and public health agencies make more informed decisions on preventive care and optimal treatment plans.

2. How does IIS integration enhance public health outcomes?

Here’s an overview of how IIS integration can positively impact public health outcomes:

• Enhanced Disease Surveillance: IIS integration provides public health officials with accurate, up-to-date information on vaccination rates and immunization trends across different populations. This enhanced disease surveillance enables better monitoring of public health threats and more informed decision-making in response to emerging health concerns.
• Data-Driven Strategies: With access to comprehensive immunization data and patient health records, public health agencies can develop data-driven strategies to address gaps in vaccination coverage, target high-risk populations, and optimize vaccination programs. This leads to more effective and efficient public health interventions.

Ultimately, integrated IIS systems support long-term public health planning by providing comprehensive health data and trends over time. This information helps public health officials anticipate future needs and maintain community-wide protection against infectious diseases.

3. What approaches are best for integrating IIS with Electronic Disease Surveillance Systems (DSS)?

Integrating IIS with DSS can significantly enhance public health monitoring and response capabilities. Here are some of the best approaches to achieve effective integration:

• Standardized Data Formats and Protocols: Health Level Seven (HL7) standards define the structure and content of messages exchanged between systems. Meanwhile, standardized coding systems like LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) and SNOMED (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine) help to accurately categorize and exchange clinical data between IIS and EDSS, enabling better data aggregation and analysis.

• Interoperability Frameworks: Leveraging interoperability frameworks, such as the Public Health Information Network (PHIN) or the Immunization Gateway, can facilitate the integration of IIS with EDSS. These frameworks provide essential guidelines and tools for seamless health data exchange between public health systems.
• Data Governance Policies: Establish clear data governance policies defining data ownership, access rights, and usage guidelines to maintain the security and privacy of shared data. All relevant stakeholders should agree upon these policies.

Finally, engaging stakeholders from both the IIS and DSS in the integration process helps ensure that the needs of all parties are addressed. This collaborative development of integration strategies, data standards, and workflows can lead to more successful and sustainable outcomes.

4. How does IIS integration improve immunization data management?

IIS integration consolidates immunization records from various sources into a single, comprehensive patient history. This unified view ensures that all relevant state immunization records are available to public health agencies and healthcare providers.

Additionally, integration allows them to access immunization data directly within their existing information systems, eliminating the need to log in to separate platforms. This streamlined access makes it easier for providers to retrieve and update immunization records during patient visits.

5. What are the long-term benefits of using an integrated IIS for vaccination tracking?

Integrated IIS enables public health organizations to track vaccination data over extended periods and analyze long-term trends in vaccination coverage, vaccine effectiveness, and disease incidence. This information is invaluable for planning future immunization programs and public health strategies.