Public Health Needs Data and Analytics, Without Losing Its Human Touch

Guest post on data analytics by Dr René Najera

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that it will be releasing $262.5 million in funds over 5 years to develop a national surveillance network to detect, respond to, and mitigate public health emergencies more effectively. The new Outbreak Analytics and Disease Modeling Network (OADMN) will represent a partnership between state health departments, tribal organizations, academics, and the private sector, who will build upon prior collaborations to improve outbreak response using data, modeling, and advanced analytics for ongoing and future infectious disease threats and public health emergencies.

In today’s newsletter, infectious disease epidemiologist Dr René Najera reflects upon this announcement and shares a few personal observations. If you are a public health professional at any stage of your career who would like to share an informed opinion or participate in a Q&A, please get in touch with me here or through LinkedIn.

Photo: Dr René Najera

The irreplaceable public health workforce

In my 17 years of service in public health, I've witnessed the tireless efforts of a workforce that often goes unrecognized and unappreciated. While technological advances have transformed the landscape of public health, we must remember that our dedicated professionals remain the backbone of this critical sector.

The public health workforce, overextended and often unfairly maligned, remains irreplaceable. Technology has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in advancing our capabilities, offering tools for data analysis, disease surveillance, and research that were unimaginable years ago. However, it is crucial to recognize that technology cannot substitute the dedication, compassion, and expertise of the individuals who drive public health efforts on the ground.

Human touch and skilled communications are essential to build trust

Public health requires a human touch. It demands individuals willing to work tirelessly to promote and protect the health of communities. It relies on skilled professionals who can communicate with diverse populations, understand cultural nuances, and navigate the complexities of our healthcare systems. Technology can help collect and analyze data, but it cannot build trust, offer a reassuring presence during a crisis, or empathize with the challenges faced by those we serve.

Furthermore, public health is not solely about data and analytics. It encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from disease prevention and health education to disaster response and policy development. These critical functions depend on the knowledge, experience, and dedication of public health workers. Technology can help identify trends and point us in the direction of problems, but it is the public health workforce that crafts and executes solutions.

The relationship between technology and humans

For example, consider contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. While technology was invaluable in tracking the virus's spread, it was the public health workforce that conducted the interviews, provided guidance to individuals in isolation, and offered support to affected communities. Their presence was reassuring, and their expertise was critical in preventing further transmission.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it is only as effective as the people who wield it. The public health workforce remains indispensable in identifying the needs of communities, formulating tailored interventions, and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and attention they require.

As we embrace the advancements technology offers, let us not forget the tireless efforts of public health professionals who work day in and day out to safeguard our well-being. The future of public health lies in a harmonious collaboration between technology and dedicated individuals committed to improving the health of our communities. Together, we can continue to make strides towards a healthier, more resilient society.

Dr. René Najera started as a medical lab technologist in a small rural hospital in Pennsylvania, before obtaining his master of public health (MPH) degree from George Washington University, and then a doctor of public health (DrPH) from Johns Hopkins University. He has been part of the team for both the H1N1 swine flu and COVID pandemic responses, as well as managing smaller outbreaks of other diseases, such as Legionnaires Disease. While working at the Fairfax County (Virginia) Health Department, he was the mental health and substance use program manager within the Division of Epidemiology. During the COVID response, Dr. Najera led the response to institutional settings (nursing homes, schools, daycares). He currently serves as the Susan and Stanley Plotkin Chair in Public Health at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and is a Fellow of that institution.

Many thanks to my esteemed colleague René for sharing his thoughtful perspectives on the importance of data analytics and the public health workforce. If you are a public health professional at any stage of your career who would like to share an informed opinion or participate in a Q&A, please get in touch with me here or through LinkedIn.

Join us to continue the conversation in Notes or Chat or Comments or Threads.

• What have been your experiences of using data analytics in public health? What is the role of data analytics in the public health workforce of the future?

• Do you work in public health surveillance or data analytics? What are the most important skills to build in the public health workforce?

• What do you think are the most important spending priorities for moving public health forward?