public health preparedness and response

by Tyler Wolford, MS, senior specialist, Public Health Preparedness and Response

In June 2016, APHL and CDC brought together stakeholders from Laboratory Response Network( LRN) member laboratories, APHL, CDC, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to discuss systems for LRN data exchange, present and future. Participants outlined six goals and three core strategies to guide the evolution of LRN electronic data exchange systems.

LRN stakeholders prioritize future data exchange needs

The Laboratory Response Network, the US laboratory network for response to biological and chemical threats, employs two methods for electronic data exchange: LRN Results Messenger( RM) and Laboratory Information Management System integration( LIMSi). Launched in 2003, LRN RM, which provides LRN laboratories with the ability to manage and share standard results data securely with CDC, represented the first step in an incremental approach to full standards-based, electronic data exchange within the LRN.

LIMSi, launched in 2010 by CDC in partnership with APHL, represents the next generation of LRN data exchange. By integrating software that LRN laboratories use to store their internal records with an automated messaging service, LIMSi is able to send critical results directly to CDC, sample submitters and other critical partners. This eliminates the time-consuming, manual double data entry required by LRN RM. LIMSi reduces errors and simplifies electronic data messaging thereby increasing the efficiency of preparedness and response efforts while reducing the burden for LRN public health laboratories.

Despite the clear benefits of LRN RM and LIMSi, both platforms require significant financial and technical support to implement and maintain, a burden shared by CDC and public health LRN member laboratories. To date, CDC has provided $ 2.2 million in funding to APHL which has been used to implement 37 LIMSi platforms. An additional eight laboratories have implemented LIMSi utilizing CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness( PHEP) funding and resources.

Emory Meeks, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, discusses leveraging current data exchange infrastructures during a strategic planning session

PROPOSED LRN DATA EXCHANGE GOALS

1. Capture and facilitate use of accurate, timely and highconfidence lab data to inform public health decision makers

2. Implement a scalable system that is easily and rapidly adaptable to evolving LRN requirements

3. Support LRN member labs to update data exchange capability with financial and technical assistance

4. Minimize burden on LRN member laboratories

5. Ensure that LRN data exchange system is consistent with enterprise data collection strategies

6. Improve consistency and quality of data provided to CDC

PROPOSED STRATEGIC PLANNING CORE STRATEGIES

1. Define LRN member lab data messaging capabilities and needs 2. Redefine data collection requirements from CDC

3. Explore options and determine short- and long-term LRN data exchange platforms