The Issues of Interoperability and Data Connectedness for Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Public Health Informatics
• Data Science
• Health Data Management

Background:

• Increasing volume and diversity of data collection across sectors offer transformative potential for public health.
• Significant challenges impede the effective use of this data, including data sharing, interoperability, and workforce development.
• Existing data stewardship and governance models require enhancement to ensure public health data integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize challenges in public health data sharing and reuse.
• To identify contributions from technology and data sectors in addressing these challenges.
• To promote enhanced interoperability and data stewardship within public health data systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review.
• Environmental scan.
• Deliberations from the National Commission to Transform Public Health Data Systems.

Main Results:

• Identified critical barriers in data sharing standards and interoperability.
• Highlighted the need for innovative methodological and workforce models.
• Emphasized the necessity for robust data stewardship and governance frameworks.
• Pinpointed opportunities for technology and data sectors to bridge existing gaps.

Conclusions:

• Addressing data sharing, interoperability, and governance challenges is crucial for leveraging public health data.
• Technological and data sector innovations are key to improving data stewardship and interoperability.
• Transforming public health decision-making hinges on establishing secure and effective public health data systems.