Using an open source health information technology to improve chronic disease care and health outcomes among underserved patients

Background: In partnership with the West Virginia (WV) Bureau for Public Health, the West Virginia University Office of Health Services Research (OHSR) facilitates practice improvement and health information technology (HIT) adoption, integration and use within WV primary care centers. These centers include free clinics and federally qualified health centers which serve the uninsured and underinsured. OHSR collaborates with national partners to build on an open-source, public domain disease management registry with multiple applications for chronic disease improvement and prevention, and supports data exchange with electronic health records (EHRs).

Objective/Purpose: By the end of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Discuss the benefits of open source, public domain HIT to primary care centers; 2) Describe the relationship between public health and HIT; 3) Understand the relationship between EHRs and registries as complimentary HIT tools.

Methods: OHSR uses an extension services approach in facilitating practice improvement and HIT adoption, integration and use. OHSR works on-site and remotely as a resource for best practices; coordinating chronic disease data collection, facilitating use of the data, providing evidence-based education, reporting to funders, and spurring collaboration across care centers. These relationships are voluntary; there is no mandate to partner with OHSR.

Results: Currently, OHSR is an active partner with 54 WV primary care centers. Partnerships continue to grow. Analysis of de-identified data shared with OHSR from these sites demonstrates improvements in key diabetes and cardiovascular indicators. A preliminary analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Continued expansion of these efforts could evolve into a state-wide registry. This public health approach to HIT is replicable in other areas with limited resources and infrastructure.

Discussion/Conclusions: Open source HIT makes possible improvements in patient care and health outcomes. Empowering providers and medical staff to incorporate data into quality improvement initiatives creates sustainable efforts.