New to public Health

[clever915]

Hello, i was just recently hired as the new public health nursing director. I have been in community health setting (home health) for over 7 years, but now to be in a clinic setting is a little different. I am trying to find out if there are any networking sites for public health administrators to ask questions, or mentor me? They have not had a director for over a year and most of my staff is new also, so i am trying to learn through our policy books and through the texas state department of health policies and our grants. I am looking to change the documentation system and was wondering if anyone working at a public health department can give advice on a good system that they currently use? I am looking at adding also some VOT (video observation therapy) vs DOT for our TB clinic and wonder if anyone has had any success with this type of system. I am in charge of the TB/ STD and immunization clinics so if anyone who has been involved with these clinics can give me any type of advice i would really appreciate it.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

I did TB program coordination & case management for 6 years, and I never used technology for DOT myself, but I've heard of health depts. using Skype successfully. I think it's a great idea...a way to make it easier for patients to be compliant. However, if your video observation would require patients to have technology in their homes, keep in mind that TB us a disease of poverty. Thus, a lot of patients won't have the technology needed.

In CO, I used a great statewide EMR called TB Database for all TB patients. We communicated with the state TB program (placing med orders, recording DOT, etc.) through it. Every other health dept. used paper charting, which was awful. If you must use any paper charting, don't reinvent the wheel. If you go to different state TB programs' websites, you'll find a plethora of examples (Ex. Â ).

Below are links to websites where you can locate best practices and opportunities for networking:Welcome to ASTHO

https://www.apha.org/

Local Public Health Information | The National Association of County and City Health Officials | NACCHO

I am jealous of you; I desperately miss public health! Good luck to you!

[clever915]

thank you so much! this has really helped me! Im looking forward to my new position!

[pshs_2000]

Since you're in Texas you should be able to contact your regional state HD. If you're in El Paso that's region 9/10. I know that some HDs have used VOT in west Texas. I used to work at the HD and helped manage a TB/STD clinic. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.