Key points
- CDC is shifting from a program-led to an agency-led data approach.
- We are building on our history of data modernization.
- We are co-creating a future where the nation has: robust early warning systems, the ability to detect threats promptly, and capabilities for real time monitoring.
Advancing Data for Public Health Action
CDC's vision expands on modernization efforts and focuses on critical components to advance data for public health action to equitably protect health, safety and security. The Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS) has put us on a path to achieve our vision by outlining the data, technology, policy and administrative actions needed to exchange critical core data efficiently and securely across health care and public health.
Public Health Data Goals
- Stengthen the core of public health data
- Accelerate access to analytics and automated solutions to support public health investigations and advance health equity
- Visualize and share actionable insights to inform public heath action
- Advance more and interoperable public health data
“One Public Health” Approach to Data Modernization
We are taking a coordinated “one public health” approach to making our processes smoother and technology more integrated and flexible, while ensuring that every part of the public health ecosystem is advancing towards the future.
CDC is collaborating to provide support for data modernization in state, tribal, local, and territorial jurisdictions. We will connect public health to health IT, reduce silos of data, outdated technology and lagging skills. Working together to advance data for public health action, we’re amplifying the nation’s ability to respond to public health challenges and achieve better health outcomes for all.
Public Health Data Strategy (PHDS): A roadmap to the future
CDC's Public Health Data Strategy outlines pragmatic steps toward realizing this future. It is a blueprint for action, setting clear milestones for short-term progress while paving the way for the long-term transformation of our public health data infrastructure.
Measurable 2024 PHDS milestones include:
- Joining the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA™).
- Expanding and improving electronic case reporting (eCR).
- Expanding emergency department/syndromic surveillance.
- Adopting aligned data and systems technical standards.
- Accelerating use of the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) exchange standard.
Transforming the Future of Data Exchange
Over the next several years, CDC aims to reach ambitious goals and milestones to better connect healthcare and public health.
Electronic Case Reporting (eCR)
2024 Target: 75% of reportable conditions reported by eCR; 40% of Critical Access Hospitals in production with eCR
National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP)
Coverage of syndromic surveillance increased to nearly 100% of emergency department (ED) visits
2024 Target: 95% ED visit coverage; continued improved visualization
Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA™)
TEFCA™ adopted by approximately 75% of state and big city public health jurisdictions and CDC
2024 Target: Two public health use cases
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®)
2024 Target: FHIR® adoption for National Vital Statistics System and health care measures
United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI)
Broad adoption of USCDI and USCDI+ across public health
2024 Target: USCDI/+ adoption for case and lab data
Achieving these goals will lead to:
- Near real-time reporting and investigation of novel and serious health threats
- Faster detection of common public health threats and outbreaks
- Better insights into chronic disease conditions and trends
- Nationwide real-time monitoring of public health threats
- Faster sharing of information back to health care, improving clinic decision-making and patient safety