205170 Utilization of Health Information Technology in Providing the Best Possible Health Outcomes for At-risk Individuals in a Catastrophe

Monday, November 9, 2009: 1:10 PM

Daniel Dodgen, PhD , Office for At-Risk Individuals, Behavioral Health and Human Servcs Coordination, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC
The Office for At-Risk Individuals, Behavioral Health and Human Services Coordination has been very active in the development of the most effective protocol for managing the special health needs of people with disabilities in the event of a national catastrophe. Health information technology must play a significant role because it allows for rapid access to health records and for better communication of health information that increase the chances for a successful outcome in an emergency situation.

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective #1: Discuss the reasons for utilizing health information technology in protecting victims during an emergency or national catastrophe. Learning Objective #2: Discuss the cautions that must be used in incorporating health information technology in the provision of health services for at-risk populations, especially people with disabilities. Learning Objective #3: Describe current efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to utilize health information technology in emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

Keywords: Health Information Systems, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr. Daniel Dodgen is the Director Office for At-Risk Individuals, Behavioral Health, and Human Services Coordination Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this capacity he is responsible for executive leadership in addressing emergency preparedness and emergency operations for at-risk individuals including those with disabilities. He is also responsible for addressing a variety of of national issues, policies, programs and services for vulnerable populations at-risk for and impacted by emergencies and disasters.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.