Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health Internship Projects 2015 1/8/2015 1
Revision of Tuberculosis (TB) Program Manual Bureau of Communicable Diseases The Intern would responsible for the redevelopment of the TB Program Manual. The current Manual is nursing based and is used by the field staff in the District Offices and State Health Centers. To make the operations of the TB program more effective and efficient, the Manual should be allinclusive to include the processes and reporting forms for the TB Program as well as the relationships to the field work done out in the Districts. It is the intent of the TB Program to place the updated Manual on SharePoint so that it could be readily accessible for both the Central Office staff and the field staff. Public Health Impact: The project will provide a much needed resource to the TB and will be a key reference for the TB Nurses and their supervisors in the field for the policies and procedures for TB Reporting, Care, and Control. This will help ensure that everyone is utilizing the same policies, procedures, reporting forms, etc which will lead to a more effective and efficient program. This is a paid internship for a limited time period (up to 5 months), and should be able to be completed by one intern. The majority of the work will occur at the TB Program Central Office in Harrisburg. There may be some aspects of the project that could be worked on offsite, i.e. some of the writing and formatting of the document. Basic Public Health knowledge TB subject matter training will be provided via the online TB Self-Study Modules Good writing skills Use of Microsoft products word, excel, PowerPoint 1/8/2015 2
Improving Chlamydia Screening Rates in a Health Plan/ Assessment of Behavioral Risk Counseling as it Relates to Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Infections The intern would become involved with the STD Program s Chlamydia outreach project with Geisinger Health Plan. The project involves evaluating a program model developed between the STD Program and the health insurance plan where the STD program can seek to increase appropriate Chlamydia screening among young women, especially those who qualify for safety net services. The evaluation project will target high-volume providers or networks of providers who provide primary care services in primary care settings. This will allow the STD Program to work with the health insurance plan s providers who have low Chlamydia screening rates compared the remainder of the state and seek to find ways of increasing the screening significantly over the course of the project. Activities related to this project may include: data collection and analysis; survey development; educational material development; and program outcome research. Additionally, the STD Program is also at the very beginning stages of a new project related to behavior counseling with a specific population subset of individuals diagnosed with an STD. The target population will be identified in Allegheny County. The intern would also assist in with project research and program evaluation for this new project. The collaborative project with Geisinger Health Plan is a project that will encourage providers in their network to screen female patients for chlamydia infection following the US Preventive Health Taskforce recommendations and thus improving the Health Plan s screening rates. The additional behavior counseling project will specifically focus on assisting the STD Program in developing data algorithms, protocols, and procedures for the identification and referral of high-risk individuals for enhanced behavioral counseling. The specific focus for this pilot will be STD clients with repeat STDs reported within Allegheny County. This is a paid internship for a limited time period with the possibility of continuation. A portion of the work will be done off site at the Allegheny County Health Department with the remainder of the work occurring at STD Program Central Office in Harrisburg. Basic Public Health knowledge - STD subject matter training will be provided via the online STD Self-Study Modules Use of Microsoft products word, excel, PowerPoint Some experience and familiarity using analytical and statistical tools (e.g., SAS, Microsoft Access, Epi-Info, etc.) to query and develop reports on large data sets Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports. 1/8/2015 3
Design and implement a state of the art website for the Division of HIV/AIDS The intern would be responsible for the development of a website for the HIV/AIDS program, utilizing the infrastructure of the Department s new website. The website would be a one stop resource for individuals looking for HIV/AIDS information. Ideally, the website would include a service provider registry, searchable geographic display, links and other education resources and integration with other HIV/AIDS Program sponsored websites (PHETI, stophiv, etc). It would also provide the capability for online submission of condom distribution requests, technical assistance/capacity building requests, applications to become a supported HIV/SDS testing site, application for enrollment into the SPBP program, and application for membership to the HIV Planning Group. With a functional, user friendly website it is anticipated that the following would be achieved: Increased access to prevention services which would reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS Increased access to testing services, which will increase testing, increase the number of individuals identified as positives and increase the number of partner services contacts. Increased access to care services, which will facilitate an increased linkage to care and reengagement into care, ultimately improving health outcomes Increased access to enrollment into the Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program, which will increase the number of individuals receiving necessary medications, thus showing a reduction in viral loads and transmission of the disease. Increased provider access to capacity building/technical assistance that will enhance the quality of services provided. Increased stakeholder representation and engagement in planning activities. Increased accuracy of service data collected for gap analysis and planning by the Department, allowing for a more efficient and effective use of resources. This is a paid internship. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, although access to a technical expert would be necessary. The work will require interface with HIV/AIDS Program staff for programmatic guidance and consultation. This could be accomplished in part via conference calls, email, etc but will require some in-person meetings in Harrisburg, Website design using SharePoint 2010 & 2013 (including data integration and display using SharePoint webparts for charts and maps/gis) Computer science (preferably including working knowledge of coding in C# and VB); Community health informatics ARC GIS Data systems 1/8/2015 4
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services EMS Data System Update Develop stakeholder consensus regarding what our system s data needs are. This should include an analysis of: Who the customers are for the processes, What those customers needs are, and How best we can meet those needs. The intern will also need to perform a gap analysis of the current process and system. At the end, they will need to develop a plan for how we move forward that outlines at minimum: Needs, Proposed expenses, and Potential funding mechanisms for the project. In order to effectively manage our emergency medical services system (EMS) we require a consistent, reliable, easily accessible data system. The current data collection process within our EMS system is fragmented, convoluted and in need of change. We have no reliable way to easily generate reports or to validate the quality and accurate submission of data. This is a paid internship. The majority of the work will occur at the EMS Office in Harrisburg. Use of Microsoft products Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Good communication skills 1/8/2015 5
Office of Health Equity 2015 Health Disparities Report Researching and drafting the comprehensive 2015 Pennsylvania Health Disparities Report. The OHE plans to produce a comprehensive health disparities report that will address health disparities experienced by different populations, particularly racial/ethnic, rural, urban, immigrant, refugee, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender and socioeconomic differences among various populations within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The intern will assist with preparing the 2015 health disparities report by collecting data, evaluating research and gathering information to report the health status of Pennsylvania s diverse populations. They will be doing quantitative and qualitative research with the help of OHE, Department of Health bureaus and partners to assist with statistical research, interfacing with stakeholders to ensure the report addresses health disparities that are priorities for the different groups and draft a copy of the report for appropriate approval. The intern will also assist with analyzing data and producing recommendations for the planning of the 2015 Health Disparities and Refugee Health Regional Summit hosted by OHE. Intern will assist with the development of summit agenda, speakers and general logistics. Lastly, the intern will assist with the OHE s goal to gauge bureau-level cultural competency awareness, the use of CLAS standards and asset mapping by assisting in the development of staff assessment. The OHE collaborates with health department staff, other state government agencies, educational institutions, health providers and community-based organizations in their efforts to achieve health equity by providing leadership to increase public awareness of health disparities in Pennsylvania, and advocating for and supporting the development of policies and programs that will address health disparities. This is an unpaid internship with a need of one or two interns. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, but a few in-person meetings at the OHE Office in Harrisburg will be required. Good writing skills Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge 1/8/2015 6
Bureau of Community Health Systems Study of the Community Health System in Pennsylvania The Bureau of Community Health Systems has already engaged the University of Pittsburgh s School of Public Health to provide an analysis of current staffing patterns and services delivered by the Health Districts, including state health centers. Impacts of the Affordable Care Act and public health accreditation will be reviewed and included in the analysis. The interns involved in this study will also be examining the Health Improvement Plans of non-profit hospitals throughout Pennsylvania to determine the priority health issues that those entities are or will be implementing. This will be considered Phase One of the project and is expected to be completed during the Fall 2014 semester. Additional research will be necessary in order to provide recommendations for the Bureau of Community Health System s future organizational structure, as well as staffing and service delivery. In the proposed Phase Two of this project, which this post is for, interns will map health service coverage areas for hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other free or low cost clinics. That information, coupled with identified priority public health issues, will be used to identify gaps and duplication of services throughout the Commonwealth. Once those determinations have been finalized, the University of Pittsburgh s School of Public Health s interns and Bureau of Community Health System s staff will collaborate to design the appropriate areas and levels of service needing Department of Health involvement. A report outlining the recommended reallocation of Bureau of Community Health System resources will be the final deliverable of Phase Two which is expected to be completed during the Spring 2015 semester. The rapidly changing environments of federal funding for state health departments as well as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act have redirected the PaDOH s current cliental and are impacting Pennsylvania s scope of public health services available through the Bureau of Community Health Systems. Services previously delivered by the Commonwealth are now accessed through other federal and private interests. Because these changes are occurring, there is no better time to review and recommend a system change in the Commonwealth s public health delivery system. This is an unpaid internship. This project will involve oversight by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health faculty member, and could involve up to five student interns. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, although access to a technical expert would be necessary. Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge 1/8/2015 7
Bureau of Epidemiology Injury Analysis Injury analysis of 14 years of hospital discharge data related to injuries. Students with an interest in injury will be able explore issues such as mechanism of injury, insurance status, inpatient mortality, length of stay. We currently have hospital discharge dataset of 245,000 traumatic brain injury hospitalizations from 2000-2013. We also have access the entire hospital discharge dataset for all admitted injury patients from 2000-2013. This data set consists of approximately 135,000-140.000 discharges per year. This is an unpaid internship. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, although access to a technical expert would be necessary. Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge 1/8/2015 8
Cancer Cluster Cataloging Cataloging of the all of the past cancer cluster investigations. The student will be able to participate with the such things as identifying and mapping of all of the cancer cluster that were investigated by the Bureau of epidemiology for at least the past 20 years. This project is part of our CDC funded Environmental Public Health Tracking program. This is an unpaid internship. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, although access to a technical expert would be necessary. Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge 1/8/2015 9
Tracking of Ambient Air and ER Visits Tracking of ambient air readings and emergency department visits related to respiratory complaints at various locations in Pennsylvania. This project will consist of collecting air quality data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection s website site for various monitoring stations in Pennsylvania. To help find any potential relationship to hospital emergency department visit for respiratory complaints. This is an unpaid internship. A large part of the work could be done from a remote location, although access to a technical expert would be necessary. Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge 1/8/2015 10
Violence and Injury Prevention Program Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Specific tasks will include: Develop a survey for collecting information about local falls prevention programs. (Completion May 30, 2014) Attend the quarterly ICPG meeting and staff a workgroup. (Completion May 28, 2014) Compile survey results into a format that will be used to map the program locations using ARCGIS. Assist with ongoing implementation of the A Matter of Balance falls prevention program and the dissemination of the CDC toolkit for health care providers to screen patients for falls risk and make referrals to local prevention programs. Learning Outcomes will include: Knowledge of how a public health program is administered at the federal, state, and local levels through a cooperative agreement. Knowledge of Pennsylvania's Violence and Injury Prevention Program. Understanding of the issue of fall-related injuries among older adults. Through a cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) is responsible to develop and strengthen its program by increasing general capacity to develop and implement programmatic and policy strategies and interventions. The four priority areas for the VIPP are: falls prevention among older adults, prevention of motor vehicle crashes among youth, unintentional poisoning prevention by prescription drugs, and prevention of violence against children. The intern would assist with specific activities related to falls prevention among older adults. This is a paid internship. The majority of the work will occur at the BHPRR Office in Harrisburg. Strong writing skills Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Software Coursework in Public Health and or Health Education 1/8/2015 11
Tobacco Prevention and Control Enforcement Programs Specific tasks will include: Extract lists of thousands of tobacco retail outlets from the Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control s TREES (Tobacco Reduction, Education and Enforcement System) database, the FDA s TIMS (Tobacco Information Management System) database, lists of tobacco retail outlets previously used for the Annual Synar Survey and lists from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Analyze all lists to determine if outlets are included in all lists, if outlets should be removed from all lists and if there is process to ensure consistency with all lists to help ensure Pennsylvania is utilizing sound, current lists of tobacco retail outlets for enforcement and survey activities. Create a report using TIMS, TREES and the Division s Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) database to determine areas throughout the commonwealth have the highest number of smoking exceptions, where FDA inspections and state enforcement checks are conducted, where Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Officers conduct CIAA enforcement checks and which outlets result in violations of FDA inspections that result in warning letters and civil money penalties. Overlay this information on a map and use the results to determine what areas have the highest affiliation of tobacco related issues so the FDA Program can focus on assigning inspection at those locations. Create a report or map of the counties and zip codes that have the highest affiliation of tobacco related issues. Use the information to inform Tobacco Regional Primary Contractors of areas that need could benefit from educational information about the CIAA and aid in their work in implementing smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing and workplaces. Learning Outcomes will include: Become educated about Pennsylvania s tobacco enforcement programs and the information and data associated with each and how analysis of that data will improve program administration The intern will benefit the Division by assisting with projects related to enforcement programs including the FDA Program and researching, analyzing and updating data and information related to enforcement. This is a paid internship. The majority of the work will occur at the BHPRR Office in Harrisburg. Strong writing skills Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Software Coursework in Public Health and or Health Education 1/8/2015 12
National Violent Death Reporting System The Public Health Intern is responsible for assisting in gathering and inputting necessary data. Work includes assisting in or preparing data collection tools. Direct supervision is received and work product is reviewed in process and upon completion by supervisor for adherence to instructions and overall accuracy. This employee assists in performing specialized administrative work in the preparation, classification and abstracting of law enforcement and coroner/medical examiner reports. Work includes reviewing and processing records to insure their accuracy and completeness. Work requires a high degree of accuracy and proficiency within the framework of standard methods and procedures. Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Health Program Administrator. In the Division of Health Risk Reduction, one of the areas is to have up-to-date information in the National Violent Death Reporting System. This system through the CDC provides data that can help state and local health departments develop evidence-based strategies for reducing violent deaths. This is a paid internship. The majority of the work will occur at the BHPRR Office in Harrisburg. Strong writing skills Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Software Coursework in Public Health and or Health Education 1/8/2015 13
DOH/PA Department of Education (PDE) Collaborations Specific tasks will include: Verify and update school information with selected schools, as requested. In cooperation with Department of Education (PDE) and CDC, provide assistance to prepare and distribute a Live Healthy PA Youth Survey Information packet, to include a letter of support from the Secretary of Health and Secretary of Education, background information on youth health risk behaviors and the value to schools/districts/state of the data the statewide surveys generate, examples of parental consent forms and send to selected principals, superintendents, and school nurses. Maintain a tracking spreadsheet, as required by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), by data entering pertinent school information, as received from Regional Primary Contractors. Assist in the preparation of survey administrator instruction packets detailing all aspects of survey administration, collection and copying of forms, data generation by the CDC, mailing procedures, need for sharpened #2 pencils, and an instructional script to be read in class before survey begins. Assist in development of the agenda and scheduling of training for field administrators. Based on interest, the intern may present a portion of the training. Monitor school participation responses and receipt of school schedules. Assist with the CDC required process for selection of classes. Notify Regional Primary Contractors of class selections. Assist with the identification of survey personnel (including back-ups) and coordinators, schedule for survey personnel, and potential logistical needs. Re-contact selected schools to re-confirm participation, to verify survey dates, selected classes and other logistics, as needed. Assist with field work to conduct in class surveys, as needed. Log packages of completed survey forms received from Regional Primary Contractors. Check for completeness and prepare FedEx packets of transmittal forms and survey questionnaires to send to CDC for scanning and data preparation. Learning Outcomes will include: Knowledge of surveillance instruments utilized by state and federal government public health agencies, including how a survey sample is developed, planning and development of a survey, importance of collaboration among state agencies, training requirements for field administrators, and procedures for conduction of the survey. Knowledge of how survey results are analyzed and weighted, including the importance of confidence intervals when comparing data. Knowledge of the how state agencies utilize survey results to guide program initiatives Additional Learning opportunities will include: Participate in CDC/Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) and Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium (TTAC) surveillance and evaluation webinars and/or conference calls. Other trainings as they are available. 1/8/2015 14
DOH/PA Department of Education (PDE) Collaborations (cont d) The PA Department of Health (DOH) is collaborating with the PA Department of Education (PDE) and other interested stakeholders to coordinate plans for conducting the Live Healthy PA Youth Survey in fall 2014 the combination of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) - by establishing a single, coordinated process to administer a statewide youth survey every two years (biennially), while minimizing the burden on schools. The Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control (DTPC) will provide assistance by utilizing the existing statewide tobacco prevention and control infrastructure to help conduct the 2014 Live Healthy PA Survey. DOH will work closely with PDE, and is responsible for notifying the schools of their selection for the statewide youth surveys, providing the survey supplies, selecting the classes from the master class schedules submitted by the schools, and notifying the Regional Primary Contractor of the classes selected. The state level DOH/PDE team is responsible for submitting the survey results to CDC and publishing a report. This is a paid internship. The majority of the work will occur at the BHPRR Office in Harrisburg. Strong writing skills Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Software Coursework in Public Health and or Health Education 1/8/2015 15
Bureau of Epidemiology and Bureau of Communicable Disease Internships & Fellowships in Support of Applied & Translational Public Health (incl. Epidemiology) Capacity Development on HIV & Related Disease Prevention and Care Applied public health investigations and interventions related to HIV and related disease control and prevention: This in-service training on applied public health investigations and interventions includes particular emphasis on application of the basic sciences of public health, namely epidemiology design and biostatistical analyses methods used in applied public health projects such as: a) early detection of disease outbreaks (incl. screening and partner services); b) disease & service monitoring (incl. surveillance of outcomes); c) public health interventions for prevention and care (particularly pilot/demonstration projects to develop, monitor and evaluate outcomes of intervention and health service protocols used along the continuum of engagement in prevention/care, including informatics/info system interventions); c) analyses, interpretation and dissemination of findings on disease trends, risk factors and outcome evaluations; and d) translation of public health investigation and research findings to facilitate utilization in planning and implementation of intervention programs aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality; Quality improvement (QI), quality assurance (QA) and continuing public health education through peer review: Public health investigations (including epidemiology) in support of HIV prevention and care program planning and interventions impact decision-making affecting thousands of persons living with HIV (or at risk of infection), hence this activity is critical to ensure that work performed by/in collaboration with the section meets the highest current standards. Many public health agencies which serve communities adversely impacted by the HIV (and related STD, TB & viral hepatitis epidemics) and other conditions have limited access to trained public health practitioners and epidemiologists with applied expertise needed to: o Assess community needs including disease surveillance/assessment of disease burden/risk and early detection, prevention and control of disease outbreaks; o Analyze and use surveillance and other epidemiologic data to support planning of response plans to meet changing demands for service; o Conduct disease intervention epidemiology investigations to develop and pilot public health interventions, and evaluate outcomes thereof; This is an unpaid internship. This training program is actively seeking: a) secondary mentors/adjunct faculty preceptors, and b) potential candidates for in-service training (internships & fellowships). The majority of the work will occur at the office in Harrisburg. 1/8/2015 16
Internships & Fellowships in Support of Applied & Translational Public Health (incl. Epidemiology) Capacity Development on HIV & Related Disease Prevention and Care (cont d) Demonstrated ability to synthesize ideas, concepts, processes, and recommendations into written reports Basic Public Health knowledge Good writing skills 1/8/2015 17