Information System as an Effective Force Against H1N1 Essay Example
Information System as an Effective Force Against H1N1 Essay Example

Information System as an Effective Force Against H1N1 Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (401 words)
  • Published: December 17, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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Dealing with a new type of flu virus presents challenges for public health authorities and communities. To effectively address this issue, it is important to have current data and information that can be used to make decisions regarding containment measures, the distribution of antiviral medications and vaccines, the mobilization of personnel, as well as communication with experts and the general public. Prior to the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, pandemics had the potential to cause even greater harm due to a lack of information technology capable of promptly collecting data from various locations and converting them into valuable insights for public health leaders.

The utilization of business intelligence, information systems, the internet, and the World Wide Web presents a chance to acquire geographic and location-linked data in real time for improved comprehension of local and regional health patterns. These systems have been employed for assessing risks, evaluati

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ng threats, maintaining situational awareness, documenting disparities, notifying communities, and ensuring targeted distribution of resources like vaccines and antivirals.

According to Salinksy and Gursky, electronic information systems are crucial for improving disease surveillance, timely outbreak response, and optimizing efficiencies in public health's traditional community-based programs and delivery of personal health care services. The implementation of information technology (IT) solutions throughout the entirety of the public health sector is justified by the gains in accuracy, effectiveness, resource tracking, and cost savings (to name a few).

Despite the real-time tracking enhancement provided by information technology, it has also become a means of spreading rumors and misinformation through social virtual networks. Influenza outbreaks are not limited by borders and can transcend territorial and geographical boundaries. Regrettably, there ar

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surveillance gaps in underdeveloped regions due to the underutilization of information technology caused by affordability, adaptability, and low awareness levels. Our global interconnectedness through trade and transportation, despite its numerous benefits, has not addressed this issue.

It has enabled the spread of infectious diseases to larger distances, facilitating transmission between humans and animals and leading to the emergence of more potent strains. The incubation periods of certain infections are long enough that individuals may not show symptoms for days, and the impact of information systems on controlling an outbreak relies on timely reporting of symptoms to health authorities. If expanded or used to support a broader surveillance program, EMA's business intelligence/information technology application could be instrumental in promptly detecting and containing flu outbreaks, acting like a magic wand.

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