APPLICATION DATA DEVELOPMENT AND SYSTEM SUPPORT DIVISION

Purpose

The EpiData Center Application Data Development and System Support (ADDSS) is dedicated to the support of the EpiData Center (EDC) epidemiologists, NMCPHC, and the Fleet. Consisting of database administrators, programmers, and a helpdesk, ADDSS carries out its mission by maintaining a variety of Microsoft SQL based databases, writing queries to pull data in support of epidemiological studies, and providing troubleshooting capabilities. In addition to database mining and maintenance, ADDSS provides a variety of software based solutions to both internal and external entities. The department also supports several DoD wide web applications to include the Electronic Deployment Health Assessment (EDHA) system, the Periodic Health Assessment (PHA), Disease Reporting System internet (DRSi), Health Risk Assessment (HRA) system, Blue H, Crews into Shape, and the Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (m-NEAT).

Electronic Deployment Health Assessment (EDHA)

EDHA ensures that all Service members who are deployed for more than 30 days boots on ground are monitored periodically for both physical and mental health concerns, as mandated by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Five deployment health assessments are currently in use to monitor Service member health throughout their deployment cycle, and up to three years after they return. EDC epidemiologists in the Deployment Health Division utilize the information within the assessments to analyze positive screens for physical and mental health concerns, provider referrals, and to evaluate overall compliance and completion. Their analysis enables timely reporting of battle injuries, identifying specific deployment health threats, and tracking of specific health-related outcomes which may be related to military deployments. EDC epidemiologists utilize the information within the assessments to monitor overall compliance and completion, positive screens for physical and mental health concerns, and provider referrals.

Periodic Health Assessment (PHA)

The ADDSS Division developed the PHA system which allows users and medical professionals to easily track and complete annual health assessments. The PHA is open to any Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard member to complete assessments and can be accessed by Army and Air Force health care providers to complete and certify assessments. The PHA ensures medical readiness by assisting health care providers in readiness determinations by reviewing the Service member’s physical and mental health. PHA is a four part assessment including a self-reported health assessment, record review, mental health review, and a face-to-face or person-to-person consultation with a certified PHA health care provider.

Disease Reporting System internet (DRSi)

The DRSi application is designed for reporting and tracking Reportable Medical Events (RMEs) which may pose an inherent, significant threat to public health and military operations. The EDC developed and maintains the DRSi to enable joint access for the Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard. Reporting tools are available for RMEs, Outbreaks, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). DRSi also features analysis tools which utilizes the data for decision making processes, track emerging threats, and produce numerous reports at the NMCPHC. DRSi is an essential program of record used for reporting, analysis, and early warning for emerging epidemiological threats.

Health Risk Assessment (HRA) 

Health Risk Assessment (afpims.mil) 

The HRA measures actions and habits most commonly affiliated with adverse health outcomes. It is an anonymous, optional survey utilized by Navy and Marine Corps members and GS civilians. Surveys are associated with the user’s workplace which they can select from a searchable database within HRA. The user answers 22 questions and receives health risk scores for each of high, medium, or low. Once the HRA is complete, the user receives a Participant's Report which highlights health risks and provides sources of health information. The HRA Administrator can generate a “Command Report” which can be used to assess the overall health of a workplace or any group of workplaces for the selected period of time.

Blue H 

Blue-H (afpims.mil)  

The Blue H is an annual award based on information entered by users of the HRA. Users will receive an award of Bronze Anchor, Silver Eagle, or Gold Star. Winning commands receive a pennant and annual streamer and are announced via GENADMIN message from the Navy Surgeon General. Submissions are due to NMCPHC not later than 1 February for the previous calendar year. All Navy and Marine Corps commands, and USMC Semper Fit Centers, are eligible. Blue H is analyzed to determine health trends, measure return on investment, and focus future health promotion efforts.

Crews Into Shape 

Crews Into Shape Challenge (afpims.mil)

Crews Into Shape is a challenge held every March in conjunction with National Nutrition Month®. Teams of 2-10 individuals set weight and health goals to accomplish within the month. The team works together to engage in healthier options throughout the month including eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, and participating in local health related events. Each member enters their daily scores into the Crews Into Shape webtool. Points are awarded for achieving weight goals, moderate aerobic exercise for 150 minutes or vigorous for 75 minutes each week, and eating fruits and vegetables. The goal of the challenge is to spark and guide workplace-focused, team-oriented, physical activity and improved fruit and vegetable intake among the whole DoD family.

The Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (m-NEAT) 

Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (afpims.mil)

The m-NEAT tool was developed to support healthy eating and provide health promotion professionals, commanding officers, and others in the DoD community measurable accessibility to healthy food options. The m-NEAT appraisals gather information about the community’s nutrition environment. The appraisal takes into consideration dietary intake, sedentary lifestyle, and the nutritional environment. Based on this data, the m-NEAT creates a community level nutrition measurement. The data from m-NEAT helps health care professionals and commanding officers develop a strategic plan to address and monitor community assets and deficits.