In our recent study, we explore the organizational challenges and opportunities encountered by public health agencies (PHAs) in implementing electronic case reporting (eCR), providing valuable insights for optimizing organizational strategies and fostering innovation within PHAs.
In our recent study, “Navigating the Landscape: Barriers and Facilitators in Electronic Case Reporting Implementation Across Public Health Agencies,” we delve into the intricate organizational landscape of electronic case reporting (eCR) implementation within public health agencies (PHAs). Through qualitative analysis, we unravel the challenges and opportunities PHAs encounter on an organizational level when implementing eCR within their infrastructure and workflows. Understanding these nuances becomes critical for building sustainable and efficient surveillance infrastructure as the public health landscape evolves.
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Implementing infrastructure for eCR has its challenges but is also filled with opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Our study uncovered three distinct patterns across implementation stages, shedding light on the dynamic nature of this process. From early-stage hurdles to late-stage facilitators, each phase presents unique insights crucial for navigating the complexities of eCR implementation. While specific challenges like funding constraints, competing priorities, and resource limitations were ubiquitous across all stages, late-stage implementors showcased innovative strategies and organizational structures that transformed these barriers into facilitators.
One of the key takeaways from our research is the critical role of leadership engagement and empowerment in driving successful eCR implementation. Strong support from organizational leaders not only fosters a culture of innovation but also enables PHAs to navigate the intricate web of competing priorities and resource limitations. Additionally, our findings emphasize the importance of cross-pollination and collaboration between development teams and end-users, ensuring alignment with public health objectives and facilitating efficient communication.
In conclusion, “Navigating the Landscape: Barriers and Facilitators in Electronic Case Reporting Implementation Across Public Health Agencies” offers a roadmap for PHAs navigating the roadblocks of eCR implementation. By adopting the lessons learned and implementing best practices, public health agencies will be better equipped to harness the full potential of eCR, advancing the collective goal of efficient disease surveillance in the ever-evolving landscape.
Implications for Policy & Practice
- Engagement: Collaborate with national eCR efforts and leverage PHA-to-PHA engagements to streamline implementation.
- Leadership Support: Empower and support implementing teams to drive innovation and adoption.
- Integration: Integrate development teams within informatics and epidemiology programs to promote cross-pollination of resources.
- Broader Impact: Develop solutions with broader public health goals in mind to ensure sustainability and impact.
Co-Author Acknowledgment: The contributions of our co-authors, Dr. Samore, Dr. Staes, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Dunn, Dr. Shoaf, and Ms. Allen, were vital in shaping the findings presented in this study. Their expertise and insights greatly enhanced the quality of our work.
About the Author
- Dr. Joel Hartsell is the President of Epi-Vant Consulting and a member of the APHL eCR Team. He is an infectious disease epidemiologist and informatician with over a decade of experience spearheading data-driven health initiatives to advance public health disease surveillance.
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