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According to the American Public Health Association (n.d.), public health is defined as promoting and protecting the health of people and the communities where we live. Public health informatics is the systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice, research, and learning (CDC, 2014). The two concepts are important because they build bridges across siloed public health work areas by translating between these communities, creating opportunities for interoperable information pathways. Assess the roles of informatics in public health and EHR. Include the following aspects in the discussion: 1) Discuss the similarities and differences in public health informatics and clinical informatics. 2) Provide an example of a reporting system and registry in public health and describe them in detail. 3) Why is it important to address population health? 4) Why is EHR important in public health informatics? REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION TO THE ABOVE QUESTION AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE. (MINIMUM OF 225 WORDS)

Paper For Above Instructions

In today’s healthcare ecosystem, the integration of informatics within both public health and clinical contexts is essential for improving the overall quality of care and public health outcomes. My classmate effectively articulates the differences between Public Health Informatics (PHI) and Clinical Informatics (CI), emphasizing the broader goals of PHI in enhancing community health compared to CI’s specific focus on individual patient outcomes. I agree with this view, as it encapsulates the distinctive yet complementary roles that both areas of informatics play in the achievement of health systems objectives.

Public Health Informatics employs data analytics, electronic health records (EHRs), and population health management tools to enhance public health initiatives, such as disease prevention and health promotion, therefore serving a larger demographic scope. As mentioned, Coleman and Delea (2013) underscore that PHI utilizes information technologies for effectively achieving public health goals. On the other hand, Clinical Informatics primarily targets improvements in patient care strategies and satisfaction, as pointed out by ASHP (2016). While complete patient satisfaction is a crucial goal within healthcare facilities, the resources allocated for CI can often be more costly and focused than those for public health initiatives.

Your mention of a Critical Incident Reporting System (CIRS) and the COVID-19 registry exemplifies the impact that robust reporting systems can have in public health. CIRS plays a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating risks that can affect patient safety, thereby reinforcing our healthcare systems. The importance of the COVID-19 registry is evident in how it has facilitated timely interventions based on reliable data which, as Bello-Chavolla et al. (2021) elucidate, has significantly supported public health responses to curb the virus's spread.

Moreover, addressing population health is critical as it aims to improve health outcomes across entire communities, reducing disparities and ensuring equitable access to resources. Public health interventions are more effective when they target population segments rather than focusing solely on individual patient care. This systemic approach leads to contiguous development in population well-being and economic savings through preventive strategies.

Regarding the role of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in public health informatics, I concur that EHRs are indispensable. They serve not only as repositories of individual patient data but also as powerful tools for monitoring community health trends, evaluating the effectiveness of public health initiatives, and enhancing communication between different healthcare entities (Crabtree et al., 2019). With an effective EHR system in place, healthcare organizations can streamline processes and gain comprehensive insights that lead to better health outcomes.

In conclusion, both Public Health Informatics and Clinical Informatics possess unique features that serve distinct but interlinked purposes within the healthcare system. By bridging the gaps between individual patient care and broader public health initiatives, these informatics domains ensure a more cohesive and coordinated approach to health management. Through efficient data use and management systems, our healthcare environment can better respond to both current challenges and future health crises.

References

• ASHP Statement on the Pharmacist’s Role in Clinical Informatics. (2016). American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.
• Bello-Chavolla, O. Y., et al. (2021). Diagnostic performance and clinical implications of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing in Mexico using real-world nationwide COVID-19 registry data. PLoS ONE, 16(8), 1–15.
• Coleman, E. W., & Delea, K. C. (2013). The use of public health informatics to improve environmental health practice. Journal of Environmental Health, 76(5), 44–45.
• Crabtree, B. F., et al. (2019). The Role of Electronic Health Records in Public Health Informatics. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), 1083–1085.
• Sendlhofer, G., et al. (2019). Deployment of Critical Incident Reporting System (CIRS) in public Styrian hospitals: a five-year perspective. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 1–8.
• CDC. (2014). Public Health Informatics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Hodge, J. G., & Giebink, J. D. (2019). Public Health Law 101: Keeping Up with Changing Technologies and EHRs. Public Health Reports, 134(1), 9–13.
• Hersh, W. R., et al. (2015). Health Informatics: EHR usefulness, value, and success. Journal of Medical Systems, 39(1), 1–7.
• Pérez, L. M., et al. (2020). Addressing Health Disparities Through Public Health Informatics. Journal of Urban Health, 97(5), 687–694.
• Vest, J. R., & Gamm, L. D. (2010). Health Information Exchange: An Environmental Scan of the Current State of Health Information Exchange. Health Services Research, 45(5), 1299–1318.