Magaly C. Angeloni, MBA
Operations Manager, KIDSNET
Rhode Island Department of Health

We just launched our new KIDSNET Web site, and we're so excited! KIDSNET is Rhode Island's child health integrated system that houses data from several public health programs, and for the last two years, has provided online access to pediatric providers and other users. The new public-facing site offers information for parents, providers, and other users, answers to frequently asked questions, our confidentiality policies, and program highlights. The KIDSNET system is available to Head Start, the home visiting nurses agencies, WIC, Comprehensive Child Care Service Programs, school nurses, Lead Centers, and Early Intervention sites. KIDSNET provides the immunization schedule for each child in the system.

KIDSNET has formalized a stakeholder group, formed by the leadership of programs that contribute data, along with representatives from the health department's information systems. KIDSNET's steering committee acts as a forum for defining priorities and discussing high-level policies and budget concerns. Stronger ties are being formed with the Early Intervention Program at the Department of Human Services by establishing a workgroup to explore data exchange and data needs.

KIDSNET data is in great demand. We now have a Data Release Policy and Data Request Form to process and respond to data requests from internal and external sources. For internal management, KIDSNET has also been generating monthly Data at a Glance one-page reports that give the total number of records per program in the database, as well as the number of immunizations entered, and the volume of records on hold to be resolved manually. In January 2006, KIDSNET will produce the first edition of its data book, a source of reports that can be generated only by using KIDSNET data. This is another way we can show the tangible value of our integrated information systems.