Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
UNC DEM decided to develop its own system based on emergent technol-
ogy to meet the needs of the state and the many other users expected to use
the system. Key informants indicated that the state was truly fortunate in
having the technical capacity to address the complexity and scope of the
effort.
The system was designed to be seamlessly integrated into the normal
data flow of all participating EDs, and this was also an important factor that
impacted its universal acceptance. There was no additional work required to
enter or download data. Moreover, hospital users found the system easy to use
and to incorporate into their daily routine. One informant described it thusly:
“
I think the real incentive is that NC DETECT has become part of the daily
work flow in many hospitals today.”
The costs to the hospitals for participating in NC DETECT were, by and
large, minimal and limited to the time spent by IT staff at the onset to imple-
ment software, configure it, and work out technical issues. Hospitals were
also given $5,000 as a nominal incentive. The minimal cost burden to the
hospital was viewed by some informants as a factor that greatly facilitated
their support. Hospitals, however, do continue to absorb costs required to
maintain their data feeds to NC DETECT.
11.3.7 recommendations for improving NC DeTeCT
Although users unanimously were of the opinion that NC DETECT is a
highly valuable system, there were some enhancements that were suggested.
These are as below:
•
Expand the sources of data. At present, NC DETECT data are cur-
rently limited to 24-hour EDs, the Poison Control Center, EMS, and
some laboratories. Syndromes seen at these locations may not be
representative of illnesses across the state, especially in terms of
severity or patient population. Presumably persons without a regu-
lar doctor or with more severe disease present to EDs rather than
their personal physician or even urgent care centers. Consequently,
less severe illnesses may be missed by NC DETECT.
DPH and NC DETECT informants recognized this opportunity, and
•
were working to add to the system other sources of data such as urgent
care centers, the four VA hospitals in the state, military hospitals, and
pharmacies. Informants indicated that they would like to see private
practices and school health clinics added to the system; however, this
would require a uniform and widespread adoption of electronic med-
ical records. One informant also saw the potential usefulness of data
from wildlife stations and veterinary feeds. NC DETECT currently
receives data from a wildlife center and the North Carolina College of
Veterinary Medicine, but these have not been widely used.
