Despite laws that require reporting of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to governmental health agencies, integrated surveillance of STDs remains challenging. Data and information about testing are fragmented from information on treatment and outcomes. To overcome this fragmentation, data from multiple electronic systems spanning clinical and public health environments were integrated to create an STD surveillance registry. Electronic health records, disease case records, and birth registry records were linked and then stored in a de-identified, secure server for use by health officials and researchers. The registry contains nearly 6 million tests for 628,138 individuals over a 12-year period. The registry supports efforts to understand the epidemiology of STDs as well as health services and outcomes for those diagnosed with STDs. Specialized disease registries hold promise for collaboration across clinical and public health domains to improve surveillance efforts, reduce health disparities, and increase prevention efforts at the local level.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Registries Public Health Informatics
Brian E.Dixon Guoyu Tao Jane Wang Wanzhu Tu Sarah Hoover Zuoyi Zhang Teresa A.Batteiger Janet N.Arno
Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health,Indiana University,Indianapolis,Indiana,USA;Center for Division of STD Prevention,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Atlanta,Georgia,USA Center for Biomedical Informatics,Regenstrief Institute,Indianapolis,Indiana,USA Center for Biomedical Informatics,Regenstrief Institute,Indianapolis,Indiana,USA;Indiana University Indiana University School of Medicine,Indianapolis,Indiana,USA