Standard 1.2: Data Collection

Standard 1.1

Standard 1.2

Standard 1.3

Standard 1.4

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Standard 1.2: Collect and maintain reliable, comparable, and valid data that provide information on conditions of public health importance and on health status of the population

Reliable data are key building blocks of public health. Health departments must gather timely and accurate data to identify health needs, develop and evaluate programs and services, and determine resources. Health departments require reliable and valid data that can be compared between populations and across time. To best use the information available, health departments require a functional system for collecting data within their jurisdiction for managing, analyzing, and using the data.

Required documentation by measure

Keep these considerations in mind when selecting documentation for this standard:

An LHD must identify the community partners from which it collects surveillance data and must show proof of trainings for or meetings with these partners
Surveillance refers to the systematic monitoring of health status; reports of surveillance can be brief and can focus on only one topic
The amount of reports published by an LHD can vary greatly depending on the LHD's size and capacity
A standardized data collection instrument can refer to a tool that is recognized as a national, state, or local tool or can be one tool used with many respondents
Measure 1.2.3 A requires documentation of two reports of aggregated data. Measure 1.2.4 L requires distribution of two reports to state/Tribal health departments. An LHD may use the same reports for both measures, but this is not required

Measure 1.2.1 A: Maintain a surveillance system for receiving reports 24/7 in order to identify health problems, public health threats, and environmental public health hazards

Required Documentation	Examples
1. Protocol to maintain health data collection, review, and analysis	24/7 protocol for communicable disease or public health emergency reporting
2. Assure data are maintained securely and confidentially
3. Current 24/7 contact information	24/7 protocol for communicable disease or public health emergency reporting
4. Reports of testing 24/7 contact systems

Measure purpose: to assess the health department's capacity to receive and monitor reports on the health status and health issues of the population in a standardized, systematic manner.

Measure 1.2.2 A: Communicate with surveillance sites at least annually

Required Documentation	Examples
1. Identification of surveillance sites reporting to system
2. Trainings held with surveillance sites
3. Surveillance data by reporting sites
4. Distribution of surveillance data

Measure purpose: to assess the health department's regular contact with sites who report surveillance data to the health department.

Measure 1.2.3 A: Collect additional primary and secondary data on population health status

Required Documentation	Examples
1. Aggregated and sourced primary and secondary data	Adult data book
2. Standardized data collection instruments	Adult data book

Measure purpose: to assess the department's collection of public health status data other than surveillance data.

Measure 1.2.4 L: Provide reports of primary and secondary data to the state health department and Tribal health departments in the state

Required Documentation	Examples
1. Reports of data to the state and a Tribal health department

Measure Purpose: to assess the local health department's role and process for sharing data with their state health departments and nearby Tribal health departments.