Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Minority Health Strategy to Support the Adoption of Meaningful Use Objectives for the Underserved: A tool to assist healthcare providers of underserved communities

Technologies such as electronic health records and telemedicine have become critical in aiding the management of primary and specialty healthcare needs, the administration of chronic illness management programs, and the tracking of population health outcomes and needs. The implementation of these technologies are even more critical within the context of underserved communities, particularly racial and ethnic minority populations. This implementation is often made more difficult due to a lack of provider resources, the need to implement multi-lingual and culturally appropriate education materials and information technology systems, and in some instances, a lack of broadband connectivity. The Strategy sets forth key goals, objectives, and strategies that will unite the efforts of both federal and non-federal entities to enable the increased implementation and utilization of health information technologies within underserved communities. The Strategy is not intended to supplant ongoing meaningful use adoption objectives. Rather, it will provide necessary impetus and direction for healthcare providers of underserved communities who may face unique challenges in reaching meaningful use objectives. Through complimenting meaningful use objectives, this strategy will assist the adoption of health information technologies within underserved communities.