The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recently conducted a data modernization and landscape assessment to determine the digital capacity capabilities of the state’s public health system. Led by Anne Snowdon, HIMSS chief scientific research officer, the department utilized the Digital Health Indicator to evaluate the maturity of the state’s 59 public health agencies. The assessment revealed a high degree of variability, prompting the agency to focus on enhancing health data interoperability to address critical population health questions.
Snowdon emphasized the importance of understanding the overall health of the population and identifying individuals at the greatest risk to reduce health disparities. The upcoming HIMSS25 conference in Las Vegas will feature a panel discussion with Snowdon and Paula Nickelson, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to delve into the state’s data maturity discovery efforts and strategies for improving public health data infrastructure.
The Digital Health Indicator offers insights into a system’s performance across four dimensions of digital health and provides actionable steps for improvement. By leveraging this tool, Missouri now has evidence-based data to guide investments and drive progress towards a data-driven public health system. The panel session at HIMSS25 will explore the state’s vision, discoveries, and strategies for achieving digital maturity in public health.
Although public health is often overlooked in discussions about digital health, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of public health in understanding and tracking infectious diseases. Snowdon emphasized the need for a robust data infrastructure to proactively identify health threats and vulnerabilities within the population. By addressing factors such as premature birth and maternal health, public health officials can better mitigate population health risks and improve health outcomes.
Analytics play a crucial role in transforming data into actionable insights for informed decision-making. Snowdon noted that many global health systems lack advanced analytics capabilities, hindering their ability to translate data into knowledge. The panel session at HIMSS25 will offer valuable insights into the journey towards digital maturity in public health and the importance of leveraging data to drive public health initiatives.
Andrea Fox, senior editor of Healthcare IT News, will be moderating the panel session at HIMSS25. For more information on the conference and session details, visit the HIMSS25 website. Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication dedicated to providing insights and updates on the latest trends in healthcare IT.
Overall, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ efforts to assess and improve the state’s public health data infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to advancing population health initiatives and addressing key health challenges. Through ongoing collaboration and innovation, public health officials can leverage digital tools and analytics to drive positive health outcomes and improve the overall well-being of the population.
