For example, the set of objectives may be available on CD-ROM or the Internet. Search engines, based on key words, will be incorporated into the listing of objectives, allowing a person to compile all objectives that are relevant to any group, disease, or prevention strategy. For example, someone interested in compiling objectives relevant to adolescents could obtain all those objectives related to that age cohort regardless of where in the framework those objectives are located. Again we emphasize that the proposed Healthy People 2010 framework is a work in progress . Recommendations for both types of objectives will be taken in the fall 1997.
Measurable objectives provide direction for action.
They have baselines that use valid and reliable data derived from currently established, nationally representative data systems. These baseline data provide the point from which a 2010 target can be set. Whenever possible, objectives should be measured with national systems that either build on or are comparable with State and local data systems. However, State data are not a prerequisite to developing an objective. Proxy data may be used when national data are not available or where regional data may provide better measurability.