DOH disease surveillance and case management modernization study moves forward

DOH’s Disease Surveillance and Case Management (DSCM) team continues to explore opportunities to modernize disease surveillance and case management tools and processes. Phase one of the process involves conducting a feasibility study to evaluate solutions for two systems: Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS) and Public Health Issues Management System - Sexually Transmitted Disease (PHIMS-STD).  

The intent of the study is to identify recommendations that will improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, storage, access, and usage of the surveillance systems managed by WDRS and PHIMS-STD.  

Based on what we learn, DOH leadership will make decisions about next steps and timelines for updating disease surveillance and case management systems. Currently, no decisions have been made beyond the feasibility study.  

Update and next steps 

After a long selection process, a contractor was chosen to conduct the study starting this fall. To understand the needs and requirements for a modernized system, the contractor will work with key project team members, including staff who support WDRS and PHIMS-STD and external partners. Users of these two systems will not experience any disruption during the study. 

DOH will share results and recommendations early next year.  

Keep up to date with DSCM 

If you would like a presentation about this study, contact the DSCM project team. For more information about this and other Data Modernization Initiative projects at DOH, visit the Data Modernization Initiative Planning website.