Working as an Informaticist for a Nonprofit Organization
A Personal Journey in Public Health Informatics
After my time as a product development lead in a healthcare IT company, I sought a more impactful role in public health. This decision led me to Interactive Research and Development (IRD) Global, an international nonprofit organization known for its healthcare delivery programs, disease surveillance, clinical research, and IT innovations.
I joined IRD Global as an informatics officer for the Tuberculosis Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project (TBIHSS), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). My primary responsibility was to provide informatics technical assistance to the Philippine Department of Health’s (DOH) National Tuberculosis Program (NTP).
The Transition: Differences in Dynamics and Funding
Transitioning from private healthcare IT to a nonprofit public health role brought significant changes, especially in team dynamics and organizational structure. In private sectors, there is a straightforward hierarchy and clear objectives, supported by sufficient funding. However, in the nonprofit world, the lifeblood of operations is grant funding from organizations like USAID, the Global Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. This dependency on grants introduces several challenges:
Grant Dependency: In nonprofit organizations, continued employment and project viability often depend on securing new grants. This means that, apart from your primary duties, there’s a need to engage in grant writing and proposal submissions.
Project-Based Employment: Many positions are project-based, meaning job security can fluctuate with the availability of funding. This can lead to uncertainty about future employment and potentially reduced benefits or salary during periods without active projects.
Scope and Flexibility: The scope of work is tightly defined by the terms of the grant, limiting flexibility. While the funding agency sets the overall direction, external factors, such as changes in policy or priorities by partner organizations (e.g., the Department of Health), can abruptly alter or halt project activities.
Navigating Complex Team Dynamics
In a nonprofit setting, team dynamics are multifaceted and extend beyond your immediate organization. You often collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, other nonprofit organizations, and international bodies. This requires:
Effective Communication: Tailoring your message to different audiences and ensuring that all partners understand and align with project goals.
Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Often, you report to multiple entities and may even work at partner sites, necessitating a deep understanding of diverse workplace cultures and expectations.
What to Expect as an Informaticist in Public Health: Real-World Examples?
Transitioning into public health as an informaticist comes with unique responsibilities and challenges. To give you a clearer picture, here are some examples of the tasks I've undertaken in this field:
1. Development of a Unique ID System for TB Patients
In public health, particularly within the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), patients often move between facilities or experience interruptions in treatment. This mobility makes it crucial to have a system that ensures continuity of care. I spearheaded the creation of a unique ID system to identify TB patients across the NTP network. This system enables health workers to access patient records accurately and efficiently, regardless of where the patient seeks care. Implementing such an ID system is vital for maintaining consistent and high-quality care for TB patients.
2. Data Interoperability Projects
Public health informatics involves extensive work on data interoperability. Unlike the private sector, where data management typically focuses on internal systems, public health requires integrating data from a wide range of sources. These include public health laboratories, hospitals, clinics, ports of entry, and even wastewater monitoring systems. Integrating these diverse data points is essential for providing a holistic view of public health trends and supporting surveillance, response, and reporting efforts.
For example, we are working on integrating the NTP information system with hospitals' EMRs and laboratory systems to automatically submit TB cases to the Department of Health. This integration helps streamline data collection and enhances the accuracy and timeliness of public health reporting.
These are just a few examples of the critical roles an informaticist plays in public health. This work is essential for improving public health outcomes and requires a broad set of skills and a deep understanding of both technology and healthcare systems.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Communication
In public health, communication is vital. Collecting clean, usable data relies heavily on how well you communicate the importance and benefits of data sharing to various partners. It’s crucial to make partners feel in control and aligned with the project's objectives rather than simply following directives.
Conclusion
Working in public health as an informaticist is complex and challenging, involving numerous external factors and a need for strong partnerships. However, the experience offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change at a national level. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or IT professional considering a shift to public health, understanding these dynamics can help you navigate the transition successfully.