more than the sum of its parts:

A Program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

More than the sum of its parts:

The case for a collaborative approach

Our Thesis:

Information infrastructure transformation should occur through a process of collaborative problem definition, solution design and performance measurement.

Transformation & Opportunity

FROM an• Infrastructure of systems, surveys, case

management and administrative systems designed to serve single purpose programs

TO one that• Produces data readily acquired and used for

multiple purposes• Integrates data from related programs to

inform program policy choices, and• Produces information serving public health

services research

Public Health Informatics Institute

Convene partners to define new systems• Neutral, non-profit• Assist partners in agreeing upon project

governance and approach to making project critical decisions

• Guide requirements process• Offer structured methodology and expertiseExamples• Public health laboratory requirements• Integrating child health across public and

private sectors

Lessons Learned

Collaborative requirements works! • Users drive the results• The process needs a neutral convening authority• Broad consensus is gained about:

– purpose of the technology innovation,– functions– specifications

• Process leaves details of the implementation and choice of technologies in the hands of the users.

• Process teaches best practices by doing best practices.

• Collaboration builds enduring collegial networks and relationships.

Contact Us

Dave RossPublic Health Informatics Institute750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400Decatur, GA 30030

Info@phii.org orDross@phii.org