Highlights
- CFA has created a low-code solution for health departments to use ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø’s wastewater-informed forecasting model on the One ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø Data Platform (1CDP).
- The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS) is currently piloting the tool to forecast COVID-19 hospital admissions using local data.
Background
Data from wastewater monitoring has the potential to complement existing COVID-19 data systems, especially when combined with other types of data. CFA developed a model that uses wastewater data alongside hospital admissions data to forecast COVID-19 hospital admissions at the national and state levels. State, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) partners have expressed a desire to apply CFA's wastewater-informed forecasting model to their own local data. Modeling experts at CFA worked with the 1CDP team to meet the needs of STLT health departments.
Partnering for Public Health
CFA aimed to provide an approachable, "low-code" solution for health departments to run the model using local data within the secure 1CDP platform. This approach empowers health departments to generate forecasts and associated data visualizations in a secure, familiar environment without need for additional statistical computing. On 1CDP, the model can be executed using ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø's computing infrastructure using either publicly available data or data securely uploaded to the platform.
CFA is collaborating with Utah's Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS) to pilot the 1CDP tool. Feedback from UDHHS staff will help to identify areas for improvement. UDHHS staff have been trained on the tool and are currently running the model and interpreting outputs using local data.
Future Work
The collaboration between CFA, 1CDP, and UDHHS demonstrates the potential for ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø and STLT health departments to develop and utilize user-friendly forecasting and modeling tools for public health decision-making.
We plan to iterate on the tool to maximize utility based on feedback from UDHHS and may extend to other health departments if initial results are promising. Other health departments interested in applying this work and partnering with CFA should contact us.
Acknowledgments
- 1CDP improves programmatic, scientific, and response work using technology, tools, and shared data assets that empower programs and public health experts.
- CFA aims to use data, modeling, and analytics to respond to outbreaks in real time to inform effective decision-making.
- works with its partners to promote health and well-being and improve health outcomes for all people in Utah.