Glossary
The foundational concepts provide a shared language and strategic direction to support more timely and actionable chronic disease surveillance. Whether you’re just beginning your modernization journey or refining an existing approach, these concepts are essential building blocks to gaining familiarity and fluency in chronic disease modernization. Explore the glossary to learn more about chronic disease data and surveillance principles, familiarize yourself with data modernization terms, and get prepared to advance your surveillance work.
What is chronic disease
surveillance?
The ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of public health data related to chronic diseases for public health decision-making.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints, tissues around joints, and other connective tissues. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
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Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Asthma
Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Obesity
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Application Programming Interface
Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, are mechanisms that enable two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols.
Data Modernization
The process of assessing and upgrading data systems, policies, and practices to support public health decision-making.
Electronic Health Record
A digital version of a patient’s paper chart, containing health information used by clinicians for diagnosis and treatment.
Integrated Surveillance Information System
A secure, enterprise-level surveillance platform that synthesizes laboratory, epidemiological, and other health information to maximize the public health impact of available resources.
PLACES
A collaboration between CDC and partners to provide model-based estimates for chronic disease measures at the local level across the U.S.
USCDI / USCDI+
Defines the minimum data elements that all electronic health records should be able to exchange. For more information, click here.
BRFSS
A health-related telephone survey system that collects data from U.S. residents on risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
Data Modernization Initiative
CDC-led effort to modernize data systems, policies, and practices in public health to support real-time data sharing and decision-making which includes sources of support such as funding, technical assistance and guidance.
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources
An electronic data exchange standard used by health departments to improve data sharing with EHRs and other sources. For more information, click on CDC’s Public Health FHIR Playbook.
Interoperability
The ability of different health systems and data platforms to exchange, interpret, and use information cohesively. Click here to view CDC resources on implementing data interoperability.
Syndromic Surveillance
Collection and analysis of symptom-based data for early detection of health events at a population level.
Data Sovereignty
Reaffirms Indigenous Peoples’ rights to govern the collection, ownership, and application of their data. Indigenous data sovereignty derives from tribes’ inherent right to govern their peoples, lands, and resources. For more information, view the resource here.
Cloud Computing
Use of internet-based servers for data storage, management, and processing, enabling scalability and collaboration
Data Lake
A centralized repository that stores large volumes of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data in its native format without hierarchy.
eCR
The real-time, automated exchange of case data from electronic health records to public health agencies. Check out the Association of Public Health Laboratories’ eCR page for more information.
Health Information Exchange
A network to electronically share health-related information among healthcare organizations, providers, and public health agencies. For more information, view ASTP’s HIE pages.
MENDS
A distributed network that leverages electronic health record data to generate chronic disease prevalence estimates. For more information, click here.
TEFCA
A technical and governance structure designed to facilitate nationwide data exchange.
Self-Determination
The ability to govern and to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of tribal citizens within tribal territory. Tribal governments maintain the power to determine their own governance structures and enforce laws through police departments and tribal courts. For more information, view the resource here.
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Toolkit Navigation
Foundational Concepts
Understand the core principles, key terminology, and initiatives grounding CSTE’s Chronic Disease Surveillance Data Modernization Strategic Plan
Implementation Actions and Strategies
Learn about the strategies and objectives outlined in CSTE’s Chronic Disease Surveillance Data Modernization Strategic Plan and explore tools for implementation
Implementation Stories
Draw from real-world examples of chronic disease surveillance across a range of jurisdictions with varying levels of experience and resources
Community and Collaboration
Identify and cultivate partnerships with other practitioners working on chronic disease surveillance modernization