The Role of Information Technology in Emergency Preparedness: Assessment of its Utilization and Effectiveness by Local Health Departments.

摘要

Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the federal government has increased funding for emergency preparedness. However, the literature continues to document several areas of weaknesses in public health emergency management by local health departments (LHD). This lack of preparedness affects the entire public. The purpose of this study was to describe and assess the capability of one state's information technology (IT) for emergency preparedness purposes. The conceptual framework included perspectives from base firm wide, Feeny/Willcocks, strategic IT management, IT investment, and IT management competencies frameworks. The research questions evaluated the strategic management of IT by LHD, the adoption and implementation of IT, and assessed the capacity and capability of IT for emergency preparedness. This qualitative study used the survey method, and the data were analyzed through content analysis. The results revealed that health departments in this state face significant challenges in the utilization of IT for emergency preparedness purposes such as weak capacity and capabilities, lack of structured planning and program implementation, and limited resources. The utilization, practice and performance of IT by LHDs are not efficient or effective. This study also concluded that, presently, no health department in this state could be described as having met all or a majority of the indicators necessary for emergency preparedness purposes. Recommendations included the development of best practices, increased funding for IT infrastructure, and the establishment of strategic management framework for IT initiatives. Implications for positive social change include the development of recommendations to enhance emergency preparedness practice that benefits the entire public by meeting the needs of the population in the event of a public health emergency.