Electronic case reporting (eCR) is the automated, real-time exchange of disease case report information between electronic health records (EHRs) and public health agencies. eCR is a tool that public health authorities (PHAs) can use, according to their needs, interests, and policies to receive immediate data on reportable diseases and possible outbreaks. eCR securely transfers patient and clinical information from healthcare providers to public health for disease tracking, case management, and contact tracing.
As a joint effort between the CDC, the American Public Health Labs (APHL) and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), eCR is intended to strengthen disease surveillance systems.
Tribes and other Tribal public health authorities have faced difficulties in receiving real time infectious disease case reports from outside entities. Such delays affect how quickly a Tribe can respond to outbreaks. Electronic case reporting (eCR) can provide real time data to Tribal public health authorities to ensure a swift investigation process.
As sovereign governments, Tribal Nations have inherent public health authority which bestows upon them the legal authority to receive case reports on conditions of interest to them. Tribes and Tribal public health authorities have faced difficulties in receiving real-time infectious disease case reports. eCR can provide real-time data to Tribal public health authorities to ensure a swift investigation process.
NIHB is supporting eCR implementation for Tribes, Tribal Consortiums, Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs), or other Tribal bodies with public health authority in partnership with the CDC through the following activities:
NIHB has funded three Tribes and one Tribal Epidemiology Center to connect to eCR.
Check out this CDC success story to learn more about the goals of our prior partner Tribal Nations in connecting to eCR!
NIHB is developing a learning community for Tribal public health and healthcare employees to learn more about eCR for Tribes. Sign up to receive updates on trainings and resources.
Acknowledgement
This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Contact Us
Electronic Case Reporting (Disease Surveillance) Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-507-4078
As sovereign governments, Tribal Nations are inherently public health authorities and have the legal authority
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