Ethics, Information Technology, and Public Health: Duties and Challenges in Computational Epidemiology

Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Goodman
Author(s):  
Ozgur M. Araz ◽  
Mayteé Cruz-Aponte ◽  
Fernando A. Wilson ◽  
Brock W. Hanisch ◽  
Ruth S. Margalit

We present a decision analytic framework that uses a mathematical model of Chlamydia trachomatis transmission dynamics in two interacting populations using ordinary differential equations. A public health survey informs model parametrization, and analytical findings guide the computational design of the decision-making process. The potential impact of jail-based screen-treat (S-T) programs on community health outcomes is presented. Numerical experiments are conducted for a case study population to quantify the effect and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of considered interventions. Numerical experiments show the effectiveness of increased jail S-T rates on community cases when resources for a community S-T program stays constant. Although this effect decreases when higher S-T rates are in place, jail-based S-T programs are cost-effective relative to community-based programs. Summary of Contribution: Public health programs have been developed to control community-wide infectious diseases and to reduce prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). These programs can consist of screening and treatment of diseases and behavioral interventions. Public correctional facilities play an important role in operational execution of these public health programs. However, because of lack of capacity and resources, public health programs using correctional facilities are questioned by policy-makers in terms of their costs and benefits. In this article, we present an analytical framework using a computational epidemiology model for supporting public health policy making. The system represents the dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis transmission in two interacting populations, with an ordinary differential equations-based simulation model. The theoretical epidemic control conditions are derived and numerically tested, which guide the design of simulation experiments. Then cost-effectiveness of the potential policies is analyzed. We also present an extensive sensitivity analyses on model parameters. This study contributes to the computational epidemiology literature by presenting an analytical framework to guide effective simulation experimentation for policy decision making. The presented methodology can be applied to other complex policy and public health problems.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qazi Mohd. Sajid Jamal ◽  
Mughees Uddin Siddiqui ◽  
Mohammad Abdulrahman Alzohairy ◽  
Mohammed Abdullah Al Karawi

The collaboration of public health education and information technology has made patient care safer and more reliable than before. Nurses and doctors use handheld computers to record a patient's medical history and check that they are administering the correct treatment. Fortunately Public Health Informatics (PHI) is the intersecting point of technology and public health. Therefore, the inclusion of online medical and epidemiology  databases in the course curriculum of  budding medical professionals and postgraduate students would be beneficial in enhancing the quality of health care,  extensive epidemiological research, health education, health policies, health planning and consumer satisfaction as well. The purpose of this article is to discuss and provide introduction of various databases which have huge information and it could be used to enhance the public health education.Keywords: Information Technology, Public Health Informatics, Public Health Education, Databases.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Akbar ◽  
Nugroho Nugroho ◽  
Lazuardi Lazuardi

Information technology can not be denied that it has proved to be very large in the advancement and improvement of the quality of education in this country. Development towards e-learning education is a must for the quality standards of education can be improved because e-learning is a use of digital technology that can deliver a wide range of information in learning. The availability of hardware, software and other supporting facilities such as the internet network at the Faculty of Public Health University Muhammadiyah Aceh can be used as much as possible so that the transformation of education from the conventional learning system into a digital learning system by using e-learning is based on information technology.The design of this study was quantitative and qualitative research with action research approach. The subjects in this study purposive sampling determined by the number of 33 people consisting of elements of the leadership, faculty, and students. Instrument research include guidelines for in-depth interviews, observation guides, brainstorming guides, questionnaires, field notes and other devices in accordance with the development course of study. Has developed a digital learning system using the Dokeos. From the aspect of technology has been supported for the hardware and software. Overall the respondents have used e-learning system and no major obstacles. The results of the evaluation of the degree of ease of reaching the average value of 4.25 with a range from 4.18 to 4.36, the willingness of the average utilization reached a value of 3.89 with a range from 2.29 to 4.75 and also the willingness to support an average of value of 4.83 with a range between 4.39 to 5.0. Thus, it can be seen that the whole has a value above the median number = 3, which means the respondents felt a satisfaction which is felt by the high compliance is expected.Keywords: E-Learning, Dokeos Platform, Information Technology, Education


2019 ◽  
Vol 139 (5) ◽  
pp. 236-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Williams ◽  
A Oke ◽  
I Zachary

Aim: Public health systems have embraced health informatics and information technology as a potential transformational tool to improve real-time surveillance systems, communication, and sharing of information among various agencies. Global pandemic outbreaks like Zika and Ebola were quickly controlled due to electronic surveillance systems enabling efficient information access and exchange. However, there is the need for a more robust technology to enhance adequate epidemic forecasting, data sharing, and effective communication. The purpose of this review was to examine the use of informatics and information technology tools and its impact on public health delivery. Method: Investigators searched six electronic databases. These were MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, COMPENDEX, Scopus, and Academic Search Premier from January 2000 to 31 March 2016. Results: A total of 60 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. These studies were organized into three areas as (1) definition of the term public health informatics; (2) type of public health surveillance systems and implications for public health; and (3) electronic surveillance systems functionality, capability, training, and challenges. Our analysis revealed that due to the growing expectations to provide real-time response and population-centered evidence-based public health in this information-driven age there has been a surge in informatics and information technology adoption. Education and training programs are now available to equip public health students and professionals with skills in public health informatics. However, obstacles including interoperability, data standardization, privacy, and technology transfer persist. Conclusion: Re-engineering the delivery of public health is necessary to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. To meet this expectation, public health must invest in workforce development and capacity through education and training in informatics.


2011 ◽  
pp. 1582-1599
Author(s):  
Barbara J. Quiram ◽  
Cara L. Pennel ◽  
S. Kay Carpender

In the healthcare and public health community, information technology and data management tools are indispensable in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies, both natural and manmade. This chapter is divided into three sections. The first section discusses various uses of health technology and data systems in disaster preparedness and response. The second section expounds on technological applications to train healthcare staff for their roles and responsibilities in delivering critical health services during a disaster, as well as to integrate healthcare organizations and providers into the broader community planning and response processes. The chapter concludes with a model that has been implemented to integrate and train the broader group of community stakeholders, including healthcare organizations and providers, in disaster preparedness and response.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Goddard ◽  
David Mowat ◽  
Christopher Corbett ◽  
Cordell Neudorf ◽  
Parminder Raina ◽  
...  

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