HLN was engaged to review all aspects of an existing statewide childhood immunization information system. The focus was on the suitability of the system's technical architecture, the state's readiness for continuing a web deployment it had initiated, and the needs of the health department which has just recently become responsible for the state-wide project. HLN conducted several on-site fact-finding visits and completed a detailed needs assessment, a strategic options matrix, and a detailed review of four leading off-the-shelf registry products. HLN also made recommendations on changes in policy and marketing tactics that would be required for a successful continuation of the registry rollout. HLN collaborated with the state's marketing consultants, conducted focus groups, and performed a "mini" survey of providers that helped inform their marketing plan. Ultimately, this state acquired the study's top-rated off-the-shelf product.
For a large, urban county, HLN provided analytical and support services for an effort to build a system to identify and manage a unique list of clients being served by a known set of county services. This system represented an integrated approach whose primary goal was to unify health and human services, Justice, and Real Property Administration/Fiscal client-centered data. HLN examined existing systems, as well as future plans, and developed an interoperability strategy for linking these disparate systems together. Extensive interviews and workshops were conducted across a wide range of County offices. As the project unfolded, it became clear that health-related data would be the first to be considered, so extra attention was placed on this domain area. HLN developed a detailed system inventory covering all relevant systems in the county and collected survey data to complete the inventory database which was then left with the county at the end of the project. HLN also completed an implementation roadmap document to guide the multi-phased implementation of the system, as well as the detailed Software Requirements Specification to guide the development and issuance of a Request for Proposals to build or acquire the new system.
HLN completed a project to assess the current level of PHIN compliance and to develop a plan for achieving compliance for a state public health agency. HLN consultants engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders to identify the drivers and challenges for achieving PHIN compliance. Stakeholders were engaged through individual and small-group interviews, and presentations at various meetings and functions. HLN developed and documented a methodology for DPHS to create an overarching technical architecture. The methodology involved collecting information systems data, assessing gaps, and prioritizing opportunities. To assist with its execution, HLN customized and deployed a web-based Systems Inventory Database application, accessible on HLN's website, which was a key part of the collaboration between the HLN and client teams. The client used the technical architecture, the gap analysis, and the options and recommendations presented by HLN to move towards PHIN compliance. They received its first PHIN 2.0 certification in 2009.