Information systems for the public health services—what do they need?

Health Offices have serious responsibilities in the environmental health sector. There is strong interest in information systems that suit the special needs of this agencies but until now there are no specialised systems available. In the development of information systems it is essential that the real needs of the public health sector are considered. Typical tasks of Health Offices are: approval of licence applications for industrial installations, advice on adverse health effects of environmental substances, risk communication with citizens, environmental health reporting for planning purpose, and environmental impact assessment in relation to health issues. For each of these activities different expertise and scope of information is necessary. Information will vary from chemical and physical information on substances and possible adverse health effects to information on existing laws and regulations and limit values. Additional information on environmental engineering and process engineering is essential.

Key Words:

• Environment
• Health Office
• Information System