Information Systems Team

The Information Systems team coordinates the 'front-end' data processes for the section, ensures all data is secure, and helps support the other teams of the Prevention section. The Prevention IS team includes the Statewide Program Evaluation and Monitoring System (PEMS) Implementation Coordinator, who works with other members of the Prevention section, to ensure contract agencies and county health departments around the state are able to access and use the national data reporting system, PEMS. This team also includes a Data Operations Coordinator, who is responsible for inputting test site registration information for the Counseling and Testing team, getting HIV test forms out to testing sites, and coordinating all data entry processes.

Information Systems Team

The Information Systems (IS) team coordinates the 'front-end' data processes for the section, ensures all data is secure, and helps support the other teams of the Prevention section.  The Prevention IS team includes the Statewide Program Evaluation and Monitoring System (PEMS) Implementation Coordinator, who works with other members of the Prevention section, to ensure contract agencies and county health departments around the state are able to access and use the national data reporting system, PEMS.  This team also includes a Data Operations Coordinator, who is responsible for inputting test site registration information for the Counseling and Testing team, getting HIV test forms out to testing sites, and coordinating all data entry processes. 

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Program Evaluation and Monitoring System (PEMS)
What is PEMS?
PEMS is a program that captures information through secure Internet Explorer browser-based software for data entry and reporting. PEMS was designed as a confidential data collection tool geared toward evaluating and monitoring public health programs for and by Health Departments, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and CDC.

PEMS contains a comprehensive and standardized set of variables for monitoring CDC-funded HIV prevention programs. These data variables are based on federal program guidance mandates (e.g. Program Performance Indicators) and are collected by Health Departments and directly funded CBOs. These standardized data variables facilitate improvement in data collection, reporting, analysis, interpretation, and program delivery.

PEMS Mission
PEMS will contribute to the goal of decreased HIV transmission by strengthening accountability and improving organizational capacity to monitor and evaluate HIV prevention programs.  PEMS will provide secure, standardized, reliable, and timely data for effective program monitoring and evaluation in collaboration with community, state, and national partners.

PEMS Goals
The purpose of PEMS is to provide data to better monitor and strengthen HIV prevention activities. PEMS was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with extensive input from health departments and community-based organizations, to facilitate the collection, reporting, analysis, and interpretation of standardized data on HIV prevention services.

The common goals of PEMS include:
Reduce the number of new HIV infections
Implement evidence-based programs
Promote accountability
Improve program monitoring

Read more on PEMS…
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Data Operations
Data operations coordinates and manages the registration and re-registrations information for rapid test sites.  Any provider wanting to become a rapid test site would first need to contact their nearest Early Intervention Consultant (EIC).  Once the EIC has completed all necessary paperwork and site visits, he/she ensures that the Data Operations Coordinator has the necessary information to register the test site.  When it’s time for the site to re-register, the test site will either contact their EIC or the Data Operations Coordinator.

Also, the data operations portion of the IS team is responsible for the HIV rapid testing form (DH1628) and the post-test counseling form (DH1628C).  This entails any changes to the forms, form production, shipment, storage and inventory of both forms.

Another big responsibility of data operations is managing the data flow and data entry processes.  This includes receiving the DH1628/DH1628C forms from all test sites, processing the forms for data entry, data entry of the forms, then, finally, retention of the forms.  These procedures are conducted on a monthly basis.  All ‘back-end’ data processes (e.g., data cleansing, data management, ad-hoc reporting, etc.) are done by the Data Management team.

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Other IS Team Responsibilities
The IS team is to maintain the security and privacy of all the data and systems that are maintained, created, transmitted, or housed by the Prevention section.  Ensuring that all staff and all data operations are following all DOH, state, and federal laws/policies/regulations relating to information security and privacy for their protection and our client’s protection.

The IS team works with all of the other teams of the Prevention section and also provides technical assistance, data reporting, and any other needs relating to the section’s, or bureau’s, information systems/technologies.