Final answer:
Data standards in public health informatics provide uniformity to system availability and communication methods, crucial for interchanging electronic health records among health providers and ensuring interoperability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of data standards in public health informatics is to ensure uniformity and compatibility in the availability of different types of systems and communication methods. Data standards are essential for efficient information sharing, including the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) among various healthcare providers. This is particularly important for enhancing the quality of healthcare services while reducing costs by fostering interoperable systems that can effectively communicate with each other. Without such standards, the risk of data being misinterpreted, inaccessible, or incompatible with other systems increases, potentially leading to discrepancies in patient care and health outcomes. By adhering to data standards, public health information systems can accurately exchange and interpret data, which is critical in providing timely responses during public health emergencies, conducting research, and achieving overall better health management.