Discussion: Local Public Health Events/Trends
Early identification of the outbreak of infectious diseases is a vital part of detecting and
preventing public health problems. One essential element of early identification is monitoring
events/trends at local levels, which provides public health officials with data on potential
outbreaks and enhanced situational awareness. As a result, there is a significant need for reliable
information–sharing processes (infrastructure) between local health care providers and public
health officials.
Explore some of the key public health information systems, analyze
their content and how they are used, and, most importantly and evaluate their potential
applications.
To prepare:
• Review this week’s Learning Resources, including the SEER (Surveillance Epidemiology
and End Results) and other cancer registry websites.
• Search local news sources or other online resources for a local public health event/trend
of interest to you.
• Analyze the surveillance methods used to monitor the event/trend you selected and
formulate suggestions for their improvement.
Write a 2– to 3–paragraph evaluation of the event/trend you selected (the writer can choose any
appropriate event/trend they like within the California). Include the following:
• A brief description of the local public health event/trend you have selected
• An explanation of the software applications/systems and surveillance methods (i.e.,
systems and procedures) used to monitor the event or trend you selected
• An evaluation that explains your position on whether the surveillance methods used to
monitor the event/trend were/are adequate and effective
• Recommendations on how to improve the use of informatics to monitor this event/trend
Support your post with additional scholarly resources. Use APA 7 formatting for your discussion
and to cite your resources.
References to use: MUST USE AT LEAST 2 OF THE BELOW RESOURCES (SEER
included).
HealthyPeople.gov. (2015). Health communication and health information technology.
http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=18
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.a). About the SEER program. http://www.seer.cancer.gov/about/
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.b). Information for cancer registrars.
http://www.seer.cancer.gov/registrars/
