HHS Unveils New Disaster Preparedness Information System
On Wednesday, HHS announced the launch of a new online information system to help health and emergency preparedness professionals prepare for and manage the health effects of disasters, FierceHealthIT reports.
Details of New System
The new system -- called the Technical Resources, Assistance Center and Information Exchange, or TRACIE -- includes:
- An assistance center;
- An information exchange; and
- Technical resources (Dvorak, FierceHealthIT, 10/1).
The assistance center will allow local, state, territorial and tribal officials to connect with subject matter experts via phone, email or the Web for consults and technical assistance on topics ranging from tools to assess hospital readiness for emergencies to developing crisis standards of care (HHS release, 9/30).
The information exchange will serve as a forum where health care emergency personnel can discuss and share information about health threats. Users will be able to share templates, plans and other documents through the tool (FierceHealthIT, 10/1).
Meanwhile, the technical resources will feature a "living library" of expert-reviewed materials detailing real-life tools and experiences on a wide range of topics. Users will be able to rate and review the materials (HHS release, 9/30).
In a release, HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Nicole Lurie said, "Experience has shown that every disaster, large or small, has the potential to impact heath," adding, "TRACIE can help health and emergency management officials across the country learn about, share and apply best practices and experiences before, during and after disasters to protect health and potentially save lives" (FierceHealthIT, 10/1).
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