Public health 101 for informaticians

Public health is a complex discipline that has contributed substantially to improving the health of the population. Public health action involves a va riety of interventions and methods, many of which are now taken for granted by the general public. The specific focus and nature of public health inte rventions continue to evolve, but the fundamental principles of public heal th remain stable. These principles include a focus on the health of the pop ulation rather than of individuals; an emphasis on disease prevention rathe r than treatment; a goal of intervention at all vulnerable points in the ca usal pathway of disease, injury, or disability; and operation in a governme ntal rather than a private context. Public health practice occurs at local, state, and federal levels and involves various professional disciplines. P ublic health principles and practice are illustrated by a case study exampl e of neural tube defects and folic acid. The application of information sci ence and technology in public health practice provides previously unfathome d opportunities to improve the health of the population. Clinical informati cians and others in the health care system are crucial partners in addressi ng the challenges and opportunities offered by public health informatics.