|
|
Information for Health: A Strategy for Building the
National Health Information Infrastructure
Report and Recommendations From the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics
|
FOREWORD
Recent events have tragically underscored the need to connect healthcare and public health
professionals and the public to sound information — and to each other. The National Committee on
Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) hopes this report can prompt the vigorous strategic action that
is required to make this vision a reality. Information for Health: A Strategy for Building the
National Health Information Infrastructure offers a comprehensive assessment of the leadership
required to improve the health of individuals, communities, and the Nation by better use of
information and communication technology. Some of what needs to be done is already happening
or is envisioned. But too many efforts are proprietary, stovepiped, or incomplete. Very little is
coordinated in ways that can best serve the public interest. This report from the NCVHS Workgroup
on the National Health Information Infrastructure pulls the diverse issues into a broader policy
framework. Based on input from national hearings, experts, and stakeholder organizations, the
Committee calls for Federal leadership, under the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services,
of a collaborative public-private effort. It is a task that should engage all who have a stake in health
improvement.
John R. Lumpkin, M. D., M. P. H.
Chair, National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics
December 2001
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Workgroup on the National Health Information Infrastructure (NHII) wishes to thank its
colleagues on the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) for their many
contributions to this report. The report — and indeed, the Workgroup itself — was initiated by the
former NCVHS Chair, Don Detmer, at a time when few people championed linkages between the
healthcare sector, public health, and the public. Under the subsequent leadership of John
Lumpkin, as Chair of both the NCVHS and the Workgroup, the NHII vision was developed and the
strategic leadership requirements were defined. The Workgroup is grateful to the experts and
organizations whose invaluable suggestions shaped the report's recommendations. Development of
the report was coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the U. S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which staffed the Workgroup. The HHS National
Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serves as Executive
Secretary to the Committee and provides logistical and staff support. The Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation serves as Executive Staff Director of the Committee and
coordinates departmental staffing.
|
|
