Decision Support Systems in Public Health

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Decision Support Systems in Public Health

• Harry T. Kwon MPH, CHES
• Public Health Informatics Research Laboratory
• Department of Public Community Health
• University of Maryland

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Acknowledgements

• Bob Gold Ph.D., Dr.PH
• Nancy Atkinson, Ph.D.
• Joscelyn Silsby, MPH
• Patrick Koeppl, MA
• Arun Kalyanasundarum, MD
• PHI Staff

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What is a Decision Support System?

• Interactive and computer-based application
• Science-based approach
• Facilitates informed decision making

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Who uses a Decision Support System?

• Public health practitioners
• Environmental specialists
• Financial planners

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How does it work?

• Established background logic
• Data models
• Development of specialized tools

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Prevention DSS An Example

• Substance abuse prevention
• 7 Step approach
• Community and state practitioners

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Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)

• Preventing onset of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal
  drug use
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
  Administration
• Connecting prevention, research, and practice

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Key Players

• CSAP/SAMHSA
• University of Maryland- PHIRL
• Macro International

• Active Guide
• QRC
• Imagen

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What did we do?

• Testing of tools
• Evaluation and refinement of the tools and
  outcomes
• Tailored feedback messages
• Reference additions
• Collaboration

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Other Features of PreventionDSS

• Resource library
• Extensive glossary
• Technical assistance and training

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Barriers

• Access to technology
• Usability of the DSS
• Content language

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Strengths

• Science-based approach and data driven
• Dynamic website that stores data
• Can access information anywhere
• Improving effectiveness of decision making

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DSS in Public Health

• Prevention programs
• Health services
• Population sciences
• Technology in public health

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More Information

• Example DSS Website
• www.Preventiondss.org
• Public Health Informatics
• www.phi.umd.edu
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• www.samhsa.gov

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The Digital Divide