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Monday, August 31, 2009: 2:10 PM
Dunwoody
Abstract:
Background The health information environment is changing as local/regional Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) rapidly evolve from concept to implementation. To expedite HIE implementation, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes over $20 billion to aid development of a robust healthcare IT infrastructure to assist stakeholders in adopting/using health IT. In order to receive funds, stakeholders (including public health) must show “meaningful use” and collaborate on state-level health information technology strategy. This is being defined, but the best application would be for bi-directional exchange of public health data/information. The InfoLinks Community of Practice Work Group developed guidelines with content framework for an e-Health Strategic Plan to facilitate public health’s HIE participation. This timely plan shows the importance & roadmap for public health readiness assessment to successfully engage and participate in HIEs.
Objectives Inform audience by providing background information that can help them make informed decisions, be knowledgeable when communicating with policy makers/stakeholders and understand the “bigger picture.” Persuade by presenting compelling reasons to plan and ramp up for e-health now and potentially adverse consequences if they don’t, whether or not federal stimulus/HITECH funding comes to public health. Prescribe concrete, pragmatic action steps to be taken today which include 1) Strategic Alignment, 2) Assessment, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation and 5) Maintenance.
Conclusion By sharing this information with state/local public health agency leaders, especially those with some interest in HIT and HIE asking for guidance on steps their agencies can take now, we can take advantage of an unprecedented, perhaps small window of opportunity to improve population health and transform public health practice through effective use of health information technology/exchange.
Background The health information environment is changing as local/regional Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) rapidly evolve from concept to implementation. To expedite HIE implementation, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes over $20 billion to aid development of a robust healthcare IT infrastructure to assist stakeholders in adopting/using health IT. In order to receive funds, stakeholders (including public health) must show “meaningful use” and collaborate on state-level health information technology strategy. This is being defined, but the best application would be for bi-directional exchange of public health data/information. The InfoLinks Community of Practice Work Group developed guidelines with content framework for an e-Health Strategic Plan to facilitate public health’s HIE participation. This timely plan shows the importance & roadmap for public health readiness assessment to successfully engage and participate in HIEs.
Objectives Inform audience by providing background information that can help them make informed decisions, be knowledgeable when communicating with policy makers/stakeholders and understand the “bigger picture.” Persuade by presenting compelling reasons to plan and ramp up for e-health now and potentially adverse consequences if they don’t, whether or not federal stimulus/HITECH funding comes to public health. Prescribe concrete, pragmatic action steps to be taken today which include 1) Strategic Alignment, 2) Assessment, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation and 5) Maintenance.
Conclusion By sharing this information with state/local public health agency leaders, especially those with some interest in HIT and HIE asking for guidance on steps their agencies can take now, we can take advantage of an unprecedented, perhaps small window of opportunity to improve population health and transform public health practice through effective use of health information technology/exchange.
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