ACU believes that health information technology (health IT) is a vital tool in achieving the goals of health care reform to increase health care access, improve care delivery systems, engage in culturally competent outreach and education, and enhance workforce development and training.
An electronic health record that includes documentation of demographics, including race and ethnicity, risk factor assessments, and evidence based preventive and chronic disease management decision support, enables clinicians to manage more effectively the complex health care needs of vulnerable populations. Electronic health records can assist in promoting patient self-management and self-empowerment through available cultural and linguistically appropriate patient information, improved communication with clinical staff, and support outreach efforts which lead to improved health outcomes and reduction in health disparities.
ACU works with the National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved to ensure that health systems serving vulnerable populations do not lag behind as health information technologies are developed and implemented. The vision for this collaborative is an interconnected public and private health system where all consumers have access to high quality, affordable care and to the information and technology resources required to maximize their health care services. The Health IT Collaborative has engaged more than 100 partners who are committed to one of four workgroups: Education and Outreach, Workforce Training, Advocacy and Policy, and Finance and Sustainability.
In The News
Understanding 'Meaningful Use' with New ACU and HIMSS Tools
In December 2009, the Department of Health & Human Services released proposed regulations defining meaningful use of electronic health record systems. In this brief report, ACU summarizes the most recent announcements, outlining measures and criteria required for financial incentives provided by the HITECH Act as well as obstacles challenging providers’ ability to meet the criteria.
HIMSS also has created a variety of tools, resources and educational opportunities both online and at live events to help health care providers understand and take advantage of the economic stimulus funds for health IT. Visit the HIMSS Web site to learn more.
Resources
A Health IT Blog We Like
Health IT Buzz is a new blog about health information technology (health IT). Why do we like it? Anna Gard, FNP-BC, ACU’s consultant on health IT issues says, “The best part of the blog is that it presents a vast and varied field of respondents from small rural practices, to FQHC’s to health care consultants and educators."
ACU readers just may find their own concerns described in these discussions as well as have an opportunity to share their particular experience/questions/concerns with blog participants. Click here to read it online.
Health IT Success Stories
The Columbia Basin Health Association is an example of how information technology can improve the efficiency and quality of care for Americans living in rural communities. Read more
Urban Health Plan, Inc., an ACU member and federally qualified community health center based in the South Bronx, is using electronic health records to transform health care delivery. Read more
At Heart of Texas Community Health Center in Waco, Dr. Tim Barker says the EHR is the cornerstone of their disease management efforts… Read more
The Health Information Technology Resource Teach-In: Building skills and providing tools to access available health information technology resources and opportunities targeted towards underserved and communities of color. This link provides video and presentations from this 2009 conference.
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) - the healthcare industry’s membership organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of healthcare information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. The website resources include topics and tools, professional development opportunities including the online e-learning academy, and Health IT news releases.
HRSA Health IT Adoption Toolbox – designed for health centers as well as other safety net and ambulatory care providers; organized by stages of considering, planning, executing, and evaluating the implementation of health IT. Includes publicly available resources as well as resources developed by HRSA explicitly for this Toolbox.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) website spotlights policy, funding opportunities, standards and certifications, and tools for implementation and optimization of health IT.
The RCHN Community Health Foundation (RCHN CHF) - a not-for-profit operating foundation whose mission is devoted exclusively to support and benefit the work of community health centers (CHCs) nationally. This website includes Technology in Focus, a collection of columns addressing the unique issues of Health IT specific to CHCs.
*Reprinted with permission from Meharry Medical College, the copyright holder for the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.
ACU appreciates support from the following sponsor members. Learn more about them on our sponsor page.
AstraZeneca
CardioChek
The Institute for Urban Family Health, Inc.
Pfizer
PSSC HRSA
Sanofi Aventis
