Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:56
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Informatics and public health at CDC
Scott J N McNabb1, D Koo, J Seligman
1Division of Integrated Surveillance Systems and Services, National Center for Public Health Informatics, CDC, 2500 Century Parkway, MS E-91, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA. smcnabb@cdc.gov
MMWR Supplements
|December 22, 2006
Summary
Public health informatics (PHI) emerged in the 1990s, merging information science and computer science with public health. PHI tools and training now maximize health impacts by providing accurate, timely, and secure information for public health action.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Informatics
- Health Information Technology
- Computer Science in Public Health
Background:
- Information technology use in public health has dramatically increased since the 1960s.
- Public health informatics (PHI) emerged in the 1990s, building upon medical and bioinformatics.
- PHI integrates information science and computer science principles into public health practice, research, and education.
Observation:
- PHI practitioners utilize specific tools and training to enhance public health outcomes.
- The adoption of PHI has been a steady and significant trend over recent decades.
- PHI focuses on developing and implementing information technology solutions.
Findings:
- PHI enables the provision of accurate, timely, and secure information.
- These information systems are crucial for guiding effective public health actions.
- PHI strategies and standards are employed to maximize health impacts.
Implications:
- PHI significantly enhances the effectiveness of public health interventions at all levels.
- The continued development and deployment of PHI solutions are vital for modern public health.
- Informatics is essential for data-driven decision-making in public health practice and research.
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