ATHNreport Spring 2009 - Reaching Out
Attendees of the Regional Leadership meeting were treated to a preview of WebTracker and an update of ATHN plans this spring in Atlanta, Georgia. Regional Leaders expressed enthusiasm for the release of the new web-based platform that boasts an integrated reports writer that enhances user ability to build queries and generate their own custom reports. Another feature is the new system generated patient identifier, which will enable non-identifiable data for any individual to be linked across HTCs, thus providing more comprehensive longitudinal information for research involving consumers who receive care at more than one HTC.
WebTracker technical training was launched throughout the regions and training has taken place at the combined meeting of regions VIII, IX, and X as well as region VII. Presentations at region II and combined regions IV-N, IV-S and VI highlighted ATHN’s work with WebTracker and the ATHNready disaster preparedness initiative.
HTC staff can learn what they need to do to prepare for migration to the new WebTracker platform and what four steps can be taken now by reading a handy outline called Transitioning to WebTracker: What Your HTC Can Do to Prepare. The outline is available for printing and download, simply click here.
European Harmonization
For a second year in a row, ATHN leadership participated in the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) Congress. At this year’s second EAHAD congress, held in Munich, a number of research areas were identified as ripe for harmonization. Investigators of key projects (e.g., rare disorders, patient safety) will be joining us at the ATHN Data Summit 2009 to share their approaches and explore ways to collaborate.
National Conference on Blood Disorders in Public Health
CDC Division of Blood Disorders announced the Conference on Blood Disorders in Public Health to take place March 9-11, 2010. Community leaders, including ATHN and its Affiliates, have been encouraged to submit an abstract for the conference. Priority will be given to demonstrating the application of public health strategies to promote the health or improve outcomes of people with blood disorders. For more information, contact Chris Parker, csp2@cdc.gov.
The goal of the two and a half -day conference is to serve as the catalyst for developing a nationally recognized public health framework for promoting the health of and improving outcomes among people at risk for or affected by a non-malignant blood disorder. The conference, hosted by CDC in partnership with the American Society of Hematology, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, will gather together public health practitioners, medical professionals, health educators, health communication specialists, health informatics specialists, researchers, policymakers, international public health colleagues, advocacy groups, public health professional organizations and associations, private sector leaders, and others involved in work related to blood disorders.
