Exchanging health information: Laying the ground work in a rural community

National interest in health information technology has arisen from the convergence of trends around, the demand for health care cost containment and better surveillance and response to public health emergencies. Health information technology allows for comprehensive management of medical/health information and its secure exchange among and between appropriate health care consumers and providers. Health information exchange allows for the mobilization of health information electronically across organizations within a community to a) inform clinical and public health practice, b) interconnect clinicians, personalize care and c) improve population health. On the heels of these national interests and turning points, a local public health department in southern California set out to strengthen their existing health information management system as well as develop and strengthen relationships in order to build momentum and capacity among community partners to develop a local external communitywide health information exchange network. Beginning in 2005 qualitative and quantitative data were collected including data from four information sessions, 12 in-depth interviews, and two strategic planning sessions were completed with six private providers, and staff from the local public health department, community clinic network and local hospitals. Questions focusing on the existing health information management system, specifically a) current information exchanging process, b) interest in exchanging new information, c) challenges faced in collecting, using and sharing information, d) what's needed to improve health information exchange, and e) how is the forward movement of a local health information exchange viewed. Findings revealed that 1) leadership - an essential element to success of this process is the steering committee 2) information sharing - should identify information pieces that are mutually beneficial, 3) technology – defining data elements and key stakeholders with “tech” know-how are critical. Next steps focus on maintaining momentum, prioritizing enhancements and functionality options, engaging additional stakeholders and identifying best practices.