Health Information Systems: How Technology is Revolutionizing Epidemiological Surveillance
- Olivia Ferreira
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
Imagine a world where disease outbreaks are detected in real time, health resources are allocated with precision, and decisions are made to save lives before a crisis occurs. This scenario is no longer science fiction - it's the reality that health information systems (HIS) are helping to create. At the intersection of technology and health, epidemiological surveillance is undergoing a quiet but powerful revolution.
In this article, you'll discover how HIS are transforming public health, why data quality is critical, and how assertive communication combined with storytelling and data visualisation (dataviz) can be the key to saving lives. Get ready to understand how technology is shaping the future of health.
What are Health Information Systems?
Health Information Systems (HIS) are technological platforms used to collect, store, process and disseminate data on health problems, diseases and social determinants. But it's not just about numbers - these systems are the backbone of life-saving actions.
Why are they essential?
✅ Real-time epidemiological monitoring - They identify outbreaks before they spread.
✅ Tracking diseases and outbreaks
✅ Evidence-based decision making - Transforms data into concrete actions.
✅ Efficient management of public health resources
Without interoperable and well-structured systems, the detection of health threats can be delayed, putting lives at risk. The question is: how do we ensure that these systems work effectively?
The Importance of Data Quality in Public Health
Data is the fuel for Health Information Systems. But just as a car can't run on adulterated fuel, HIS can't operate on inconsistent or outdated information. Data quality is what separates an effective response from a catastrophic failure.
What makes data reliable?
📌 Accuracy - Avoiding redundancies and errors in records.
📌 Timeliness - Making information available at the right time for decision-making.
📌 Interoperability - Integrating different healthcare platforms.
The adoption of standards such as FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) has been a game changer, allowing different systems to “talk” to each other safely and efficiently. Imagine a world where hospitals, laboratories and health centers share information in real time - it's already happening.
Assertive Communication: The Link Between Data and Action
Imagine this scene: a public health manager opens his computer and is faced with a screen full of confusing numbers, tables and graphs. He needs to make a quick decision on how to allocate resources during a dengue outbreak, but the data doesn't make sense to him. Now, think of another scenario: the same manager accesses an interactive dashboard, where colored maps show in real time the areas with the highest incidence of the disease, simple graphs indicate trends and alerts highlight the regions that need immediate attention. Which of these situations would lead to faster and more effective action?
The answer is obvious. Collecting data is only the first step. The real power lies in turning raw data into stories that inspire action. And this is where assertive communication, combined with storytelling and dataviz, comes into play.
💡Storytelling with Data: Telling Stories that Matter
Data, on its own, can be cold and impersonal. But when transformed into stories, it comes alive with meaning. Storytelling with data is the art of using narratives to contextualize information, making it relevant and memorable.
How to apply storytelling in public health?
Create a storyline: Instead of presenting loose figures, build a narrative. For example: “Last month, region X registered a 200% increase in dengue cases. This happened because the heavy rains created breeding grounds for the mosquito. Now we need to act quickly to prevent an epidemic.”
Humanize the data: Use real cases (with permission) to illustrate the impact. For example: “Maria, a mother of two, contracted dengue fever after being bitten near her home. She spent a week in hospital, but it could have been avoided if we had detected the mosquito outbreak earlier.”
Show the before and after: Present how action based on data can change a scenario. For example: “Last year, by implementing automated alerts, we reduced the response time to outbreaks from 15 to 5 days.”
💡Dataviz: Turning Numbers into Visual Insights
Data visualization (dataviz) is a powerful tool for communicating complex information in a simple and intuitive way. A good graph or map can say more than a thousand words - and in the context of public health, it can save lives.
Dataviz strategies for Health Surveillance:
Interactive dashboards: Create dashboards that allow users to explore data dynamically. For example, a heat map that shows the distribution of cases of a disease in real time.
Clear, objective graphs: Use bar charts, line graphs to show trends and comparisons. Avoid visual pollution - less is more.
Visual alerts: Highlight critical information with colors or icons. For example, use red to indicate areas with outbreaks and green for regions under control.
Explanatory infographics: Combine short texts with images to explain complex processes, such as the transmission cycle of a disease.
Practical example: Imagine a dashboard showing a map of Brazil with colored dots representing COVID-19 cases. By clicking on a region, the manager can see trend graphs, bed occupancy rates and even predictions based on artificial intelligence. This not only facilitates decision-making but also makes the data accessible to professionals with various levels of expertise.
The Future of Information Systems in Digital Health
The future of healthcare is digital, and the transformation has already begun. Artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning are being used to predict outbreaks, optimize resources, and even personalize treatments. But like every revolution, this one also brings challenges.
Challenges to be overcome:
✅ Data security and privacy: How do we protect sensitive information in a connected world?
✅ Interoperability: How can we ensure that all systems “speak the same language”?
✅ Team training: How do you prepare professionals to use these new technologies?
Digitalization is not just a trend - it's a necessity for more effective and proactive health surveillance.
Conclusion: How can Health Information Systems be improved?
The technological revolution in public health is already underway, but success depends on the integration of technology, communication and data quality. IT and health professionals need to work hand in hand to ensure that the data collected is transformed into strategic actions.
What challenges do you see in implementing information systems in public health?
Share your opinion in the comments and let's build a healthier future together!
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