The Basics
What is a datamart? How are you defining it?
It is essentially a 'home' for selected data that originates in another program, unit, section, branch of GDPH. It is a tool used to increase decision-making capacity. You can also say it is an architected data and information storage that contains those essentials for business decisions.
Why do we need a datamart?
To organize our data and information so that we can make health decisions.
What data will be in the datamart?
Those data and information that are essential for making valid health decisions.
How do I get my data into the datamart?
If information or data, that you manage, is necessary for health decisions, then your data shall follow Division standards and then be assimilated into the warehouse.
What type of computer skills do I need to access the datamart?
Basic.
What is OLAP?
Online Analytical Processing.
What type of data will I be able to access?
Aggregate information and analyses.
What level of data will be collected for the datamart (e.g. client level, program level, etc)?
The warehouse is population based and will acquire, from selected data domains, essential data items by race, sex, age, time, and place.
Datamart & Branches, Sections, and Units
Why has the Division made it a priority to create a datamart?
The Director's Office needs division-wide information to enable effective decision-making. The datamart will serve this purpose. OHIP is coordinating this project for the Division.
I heard this datamart is going to take all of my data. How will I get reports and information I need to do my program?
The data that is housed in the various sections and branches are the Division's most valuable asset. Therefore the Division must have access to the subsets of programmatic data for effective planning and policy development purposes. For the most part, the data collection systems in the sections and branches will remain as they are now with the added responsibility of applying and adhering to divisional standards adopted by the Data Policy Committee.
If the datamart is going to take and manage my data, where does that leave me? I have to manage my programs!
The warehouse will not take your data nor manage it. In fact, your role in the management and quality of your data will be essential. Your role has not changed, in fact it has become more important, you shall be responsible for assuring that your data meets Division standards.
Is the datamart supposed to supplant, indeed replace report-generating systems that programs may be currently using?
No, each branch, section and program are responsible for their reports
My program only reaches a small percentage of the total population. What is the purpose of including that data in a datamart?
The population served may represent a much larger portion of a population deemed important. The importance in based on the "Health Field Theory" driven selection of public health issues. Therefore the population you reach is a component of the health status of the community at large.
Data Warehousing Standards
How will the current work our Branch is doing (e.g. collection of indicators) fit into the final product?
The utility of your Branch's current work with indicators shall be determined based upon the degree to which your indicators are valid, reliable and specific measures of health related phenomena.
Why are we spending a lot of time developing standard specifications, ("metadata") when we have to just turn around and give data to our funders (especially CDC) in yet a different format?
Each branch, section and program are responsible for reporting to their respective funders in addition to supplying the Division with data needs.
