213207 Public health nurses' experience, challenges and opportunities with electronic health systems

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 8:50 AM

Jeanne A. Matthews, PhD, RN , Arlington County DHS, Public Health Division and Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, Arlington, VA
  
Managing health information through electronic systems is viewed by many as a way to reduce costs and improve quality of care. Estimates of the opportunities and costs of electronic health records (EHR) are often hopeful, but evidence is among users in public health is limited. The focus of public health nurses' (PHN) practice is the population; however, PHNs often deliver care to individuals at risk. As such, they are in a position to use these EHR and data management systems each day in practice. The focus of this presentation will be to describe the experiences of PHNs around the nation. Participants will have the opportunity to explore PHN experience in using electronic systems, the perceived benefits and challenges to PHN practice and recommendations for adoption of EHR/S.

Learning Objectives:
Compare the PHN experience using electronic health records/systems (EHR/S) in the U.S. Describe two challenges and opportunities of EHR/S identified by practicing PHNs. Identify two recommendations for adopting EHR/S in public health. Managing health information through electronic systems is viewed by many

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because: I am conducting research in this area (Use of HIT among PHNs) and work in a local public health agency interested in identifying appropriate avenues for use of HIT.
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.

See more of: The Challenge of Implementing Electronic Health Records For Practitioners & the Public: Recommendations From APHA Member Groups (PHN, Genomics, EPI, Ethics, Family Violence, CHPPD) - Part 1
See more of: Health Informatics Information Technology