State department of health streamlines case reporting through eCR implementation

Client background

A state-run department of health that is designed to enhance the health and well-being of local patients by providing effective health and human services as well as fostering sound, sustained advances in medicine, public health and social services.

The business challenge

To better track and report on a variety of reportable conditions, allow for future growth, and gain the ability to collect additional data that would otherwise be unavailable, the state integrated electronic case reporting (eCR) system with its existing syndromic surveillance system. Although the eCR was already in use by the public health agency, the eCR-produced data was not being successfully integrated into the agency’s state-run surveillance system.

The Baker Tilly approach

Having worked with this specific state agency on multiple projects for more than a decade, the client engaged with Baker Tilly to ensure a timely, inclusive, manageable and accurate solution was put into place. While it was possible to use the current surveillance system vendor to accomplish this, it would prove to be a challenging and a time-restrictive option. To address this problem, Baker Tilly provided a custom solution that involved experience in coding languages such as JavaScript, C#, Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Health Level Seven (HL7) as well as the Rhapsody integration engine.

By working closely with the system’s internal users of the application, Baker Tilly not only provided the necessary and needed analytics, but addressed enhancement requests as well. A close working relationship with internal IT staff was also fostered, with clear and concise documentation and knowledge transfer regarding the new solution being provided. After the implementation was complete, Baker Tilly also provided training to the agency’s staff so that the solution could be maintained and so that staff could address future reportable conditions so the platform could continue to grow and be adopted throughout the state health department.

The business impact

Not only was the client’s eCR successfully integrated into state’s current surveillance system, which provided the functionality, manageability and enhancements outlined in the scope of the engagement, but also recommendations for additional growth and future enhancements was provided to the client as well. Furthermore, the client also opened a door to an exponential amount of additional data reporting elements as well as better tracking of reportable conditions that enhances the care and safety of the public at large. This solution was also administered while maintaining the usability of the front-end reporting application throughout the engagement.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly’s healthcare information technology specialists can help, contact us now.