Informatics in Disease Prevention and Epidemiology

Magnuson, J. A.; Hopkins, Richard; McFarlane, Timothy D.

Technology changes continually, but the principles underlying informatics, epidemiology, and disease control are persistent. This chapter explores these principles and illustrates the varied information systems that support epidemiology. Concepts including reportable/notifiable diseases, passive/active surveillance, and the common components of public health prevention programs are discussed. Public health information systems support certain common functions. Four of these functions and their informatics implications are examined: public health surveillance; outbreak or cluster recognition and response; acquisition of laboratory information; and field investigation. The chapter provides an understanding of public health interoperability and integration challenges, solutions, and future goals.