title: The rapid implementation of a statewide emergency health information system during the 1993 Iowa flood.
abstract: In the face of disastrous flooding, the Iowa Department of Public Health established the statewide Emergency Computer Communications Network to establish rapid electronic reporting of disaster-related health data, provide e-mail communications among all county health departments, monitor the long-range public health effects of the disaster, and institute a general purpose public health information system in Iowa. Based on software (CDC WONDER/PC) provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and using standard personal computers and modems, this system has resulted in a 10- to 20-fold increase in surveillance efficiency at the health department, not including time saved by county network participants. It provides a critical disaster assessment capability to the health department but also facilitates the general practice of public health.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Information Systems Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: O'Carroll
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Friede
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Noji
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Lillibridge
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fries
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Atchison
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000295:instrumentation; D004190:Disasters; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D007484:Iowa; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011635:Public Health Administration; D013219:State Government