DM³: Public Health Data Modernization Maturity Model

Public health data modernization is the process of upgrading how health departments collect, manage, analyze, and share data. This includes improving data infrastructure (systems and tools), implementing data governance (policies and accountability), building analytics capacity, developing workforce skills, and creating a data-driven organizational culture. The goal is better, faster, more useful data for public health decision-making.

A data maturity model is a framework for assessing how well an organization manages and uses its data assets. It typically measures capabilities across multiple domains (like infrastructure, governance, and workforce) using defined maturity levels. DM³ uses a 5-level scale from "Initial" (ad-hoc, reactive) to "Optimizing" (continuous improvement, innovation). Maturity models help organizations understand their current state and prioritize improvements.

DM³ was built specifically for public health. Generic data maturity models don't account for public health constraints: grant-funded operations, HIPAA requirements, community health mandates, and the unique relationship between data and population health outcomes. DM³ assesses the domains that matter most for health departments and produces recommendations that are realistic given typical public health resources and governance structures.

Data interoperability is the ability for different systems to exchange and use data effectively. For health departments, this means surveillance systems can share data with EHRs, lab reporting flows into case management, and data can be exchanged with state and federal partners. DM³ assesses your current interoperability capabilities and helps identify practical steps toward better data exchange—whether through standards like FHIR or simpler integration approaches.

A typical DM³ assessment takes 4-6 weeks from kickoff to final report. This includes stakeholder interviews (usually 8-12 people), documentation review, scoring and analysis, and roadmap development. The process is designed to minimize burden on your staff—most interviews are 45-60 minutes, and we work around your schedule. Larger departments or those wanting deeper analysis may extend the timeline.

You receive: (1) A detailed assessment report with maturity scores across all domains, evidence-based justification for each score, and comparison to peer benchmarks where available; (2) A prioritized improvement roadmap with specific, achievable recommendations, resource requirements, and suggested sequencing; (3) An executive summary suitable for leadership and board presentations. Optionally, we can provide ongoing implementation support.

DM³ is aligned with CDC's Data Modernization Initiative goals: improving data quality, timeliness, and interoperability across public health. Our assessment covers the capabilities CDC emphasizes—data infrastructure, governance, workforce development, and partnerships. A DM³ assessment can help you demonstrate progress toward DMI goals, identify gaps, and prioritize investments. It's particularly useful for health departments preparing for DMI funding opportunities.