Smallwood Catherine, Matos Carlos, Monteiro Hugo, Shapiro Mark, Ngoc Miranda Tran, Elamein Mohamed, Raz Raviv, Petragallo Samuel
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe Denmark.
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe Denmark.
Int J Med Inform. 2025 Apr;196:105791. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.105791. Epub 2025 Jan 16.
This paper addresses the importance of timely and robust information systems that underpin emergency response decision-making, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region. Recognizing the relevance of these systems, we propose the strengthening of national emergency response information management systems (ERIMS) within the broader digital health information system (HIS) framework. We aim to develop and present an innovative assessment tool designed to evaluate and assist in the strengthening of ERIMS, contributing to a more resilient and effective emergency response.
This study presents the development of an ERIMS assessment tool using a systems-based approach and defined standards by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The tool provides a systematic methodology to evaluate and enhance a country's ERIMS capacity, and is designed to accommodate different information system architecture, emergency response coordination mechanisms, and digitalisation levels. The development process involved consultations with experts in digital health, emergency management, and public health policy, as well as lessons identified through pilot implementation of the assessment tool in several countries.
The application of this tool revealed gaps in existing ERIMS and highlighted the importance of digital transformation in emergency management practices. The tool facilitated the identification of priority areas for improvement and supported the establishment of best practices and international standards for digital health initiatives that relate to emergency management.
This assessment tool represents a contribution to the field of digital health and emergency management. It offers a way for countries to enhance their emergency response capabilities, focusing on information for action. By improving ERIMS, countries can ensure better preparedness, timely response and effective recovery from health emergencies, thereby strengthening global health security in the face of future challenges.
本文阐述了及时且强大的信息系统对于支持应急响应决策的重要性，这一点在世界卫生组织欧洲区域的新冠疫情期间得到了体现。认识到这些系统的相关性，我们提议在更广泛的数字健康信息系统（HIS）框架内加强国家应急响应信息管理系统（ERIMS）。我们旨在开发并展示一种创新的评估工具，用于评估和协助加强ERIMS，以促成更具韧性和成效的应急响应。
本研究介绍了一种基于系统方法并依据世界卫生组织欧洲区域办事处定义的标准开发的ERIMS评估工具。该工具提供了一种系统方法来评估和提升一个国家的ERIMS能力，并且旨在适应不同的信息系统架构、应急响应协调机制以及数字化水平。开发过程涉及与数字健康、应急管理和公共卫生政策领域的专家进行磋商，以及通过在多个国家试点实施评估工具所总结出的经验教训。
该工具的应用揭示了现有ERIMS中存在的差距，并凸显了数字转型在应急管理实践中的重要性。该工具有助于确定优先改进领域，并支持建立与应急管理相关的数字健康倡议的最佳实践和国际标准。
这种评估工具为数字健康和应急管理领域做出了贡献。它为各国提供了一种提升应急响应能力的途径，重点关注行动所需信息。通过改进ERIMS，各国能够确保更好地应对健康紧急情况，及时做出响应并有效恢复，从而在面对未来挑战时加强全球卫生安全。
