Roundtable

As the Federal Government begins an unprecedented step on incentivizing and encouraging the adoption of health information technology through the appropriate of funds allocated within the stimulus package, there is a growing concern about the accessibility and integration of this technology with underserved populations. The diverse health needs of these individuals, coupled with the lack of resources, both financial and personal, that often affect community health centers, rural health clinics and other settings that provide services to these individuals, leave open the question of how health information technology will affect the underserved. This roundtable discussion will present an overview of the current HITECH legislation and its impact on minorities and underserved communities. Additionally, ideas around tools, learning management systems and social networks and how they can provide increased access to technology will be presented in a manner that provides knowledge and information on how providers in these settings can collaborate and share ideas to harness the power of health information technology. Additional presentations will also focus on the specific use of technology for health issues such as maternal and child care as well as cardiovascular disease.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the effect of health information technology on underserved and uninsured populations. 2. Explain how the utlization of tools, knowledge sharing networks and social media can help facilitate and foster the use of health information technology for underserved populations. 3. Identify the key points of the HITECH legislation and how they affect underserved and uninsured populations.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)