| Managing disease through linking data |
Hospital and ambulance services may provide the missing link
Download the PDF: Managing disease through linking data
Data May Be the Key to Controlling Disease
The data are there -- if we can assimilate information currently stored in scattered systems then we may develop a better understanding of the distribution of diseases and their causes. Drawing upon records of thousands of actual cases, we have a better chance of understanding disease and reducing human suffering. Collecting and interpreting those data is crucial.
Breaking It Down
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The idea
To get a clearer understanding of how diseases behave and how they are being treated
The hope
That more complete information will result in a better understanding of the causes of disease, and more effective efforts at prevention and treatment
The model
Asthma will be used as the model for this GIL's initial efforts. Who is most affected by the disease, possible environmental triggers, and what kinds of treatment patients currently receive will all be under investigation. Of particular statistical interest will be attacks that result in hospital or emergency room visits.
The plan
To develop innovative computer systems that can link and analyze data collected by hospitals and ambulance services |
Impact: Control Suffering
If knowledge is power, information and the tools to understand disease could be our most powerful tool to control or even end suffering from our most common disease. Local and state medical service providers can supply information that can lead to better decisions about health care education and services.
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GIL GOAL:
To gain useful insight through collecting and interpreting data so that the spread of diseases can be controlled or stopped
PARTNERS
UNC Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Orange County (NC) EMS, UNC Schools of Information and Library Science. |
GIL Leadership
David Richardson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, leads the team. The team will develop innovative computer systems to evaluate the data that are already being collected in many disparate locations.
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Last updated September 16, 2009 |
Carolina Public Health Solutions 
