Syndromic Surveillance in Iowa: Transforming Public Health Through Data Quality and Collaboration

Syndromic Surveillance in Iowa: Transforming Public Health Through Data Quality and Collaboration

January 24, 2025

When organizations with unique strengths unite, the outcome can be transformational. Last week, Mackenzie Lecy-Schoenherr from CyncHealth and Doug Cretsinger from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shared Iowa’s progress at the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) Community of Practice (CoP) Data Quality Subcommittee meeting. With over 100 attendees, the session shed light on Iowa’s impressive strides in syndromic surveillance and the strategic approaches that have driven these results.

What is Syndromic Surveillance?

Syndromic surveillance is a public health system that collects and analyzes health-related data (like symptoms and behaviors) in near real-time to detect potential outbreaks or unusual health events early. It helps identify trends and patterns to respond quickly to emerging public health threats.

Iowa’s Syndromic Surveillance Journey

Since launching syndromic onboarding in 2021, Iowa has made significant strides:

  • 92% of Iowa Emergency Departments report data to ESSENCE (Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics): This robust participation reflects a commitment to leveraging data for improved patient outcomes and healthier communities. Iowa’s syndromic surveillance coverage now surpasses that of many states with longer-standing programs.
  • A collaborative partnership: By partnering with a Health Information Exchange (HIE), Iowa has streamlined reporting processes and enhanced data quality. This collaboration demonstrates the value of shared goals and a unified approach.
  • Cost-effective resource usage: Iowa has implemented cost-saving measures, such as utilizing a single admission, discharge, and transfer (ADT) feed for multiple reporting purposes. This approach optimizes workflows and reduces administrative burdens for healthcare facilities.

Key Takeaways from the Presentation

The presentation by Lecy-Schoenherr and Cretsinger highlighted actionable strategies that have driven Iowa’s success in syndromic surveillance. Key points included:

  • Successful partnership: The partnership between Iowa HHS and CyncHealth exemplifies how HIE’s can support public health reporting and improve data-sharing capabilities.
  • Ensuring data quality: Maintaining high data quality through robust onboarding strategies and ongoing data observation is a top priority.
  • Achieving sustainable progress: By focusing on process-driven, quality-focused approaches, Iowa has built a solid foundation for long-term success in syndromic surveillance.

Looking Ahead

Iowa’s syndromic surveillance program serves as a model of what’s possible through collaboration and innovation. As one of the most recent states to adopt syndromic onboarding, Iowa’s rapid progress highlights the impact of strategic partnerships and shared commitments to improving public health.

For more information on syndromic surveillance and to view a map of NSSP facility participation by county, visit the CDC’s website here.

About CyncHealth

CyncHealth connects over 5 million lives and 1,100 facilities across Nebraska and Iowa. This network includes hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare providers. By sharing data like patient histories, lab results, and immunizations, CyncHealth helps doctors and nurses provide better care.

About the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP)

The NSSP, overseen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advances syndromic surveillance by supporting local, state, and national efforts to track health trends and respond to emerging threats. Through collaboration, NSSP enhances the quality and utility of public health data.

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