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Development of a statewide Maternal and Child Health Information Network
Computers in Nursing
|January 1, 1989
Summary
The Maternal and Child Health Information Network (MATCH) links clinical and vital records to improve maternal and child health knowledge. This system enhances data analysis for better health program outcomes and comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Informatics
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- The Maternal and Child Health Information Network (MATCH) was a national demonstration project initiated in 1983.
- Funded by a Special Projects of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS) grant, MATCH aimed to enhance maternal and child health data management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate clinical service data into usable information for maternal and child health.
- To expand the health database by linking with other Ohio Department of Health systems.
- To analyze integrated data for advancing knowledge in maternal and child health.
Main Methods:
- Established an interactive network between local agencies and the state Health Department.
- Implemented distributed data entry and retrieval at end-user information centers.
- Provided comprehensive training and support to network participants.
Main Results:
- Enabled linkage of clinical service records with vital records for outcome analysis.
- Facilitated an expanded view of the population served by maternal and child health programs.
- Allowed for comparisons between service recipients and those not receiving preventive health services.
Conclusions:
- The MATCH system provides a robust platform for analyzing maternal and child health outcomes.
- Linking clinical and vital records offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of health services.
- The network supports data-driven improvements in maternal and child health program delivery and evaluation.