Oral

A major component of health care reform is the utilization of health information technology to improve both the efficiency and quality of care for patients across various medical settings. For individuals located in underserved communities, the need for these types of technologies takes on a greater importance due to the health issues that often affect these populations and the limited resources available to provide treatment and care. This session will provide insight into key goals, strategies and objectives to increase the implementation of and utilization of health information technologies within underserved communities. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, long considered a pioneer in the field of health information technology, released My HealtheVet electronic personal health record (PHR), providing veteran’s a means to manage their own care. This system is widely underutilized in rural communities, and this discussion will provide insight into how a robust communication framework coupled with strategic policy initiatives can increase access to My HealtheVet to communities who currently do not have access. Finally, the effectiveness of eHealth communication will be demonstrated through GHDOnline.org, a virtual professional community platform where members engage in constructive problem-solving and share information to increase knowledge about the health information technologies available to them and the most appropriate implementation strategies. This type of knowledge dissemination provides a significant catalyst to look beyond organizational boundaries to provide insight into increasing access to health information technologies for all populations

Session Objectives: 1. Assses the types of communiation stratgies that effectively lead to successful planning and inmplementation of health information technologies. 2. Discuss the types of national and local commuication efforts used to increase the understanding of health information technologies 3. Describe the types of federal and local initiatives being undertaken to increase access to health information technologies in underserved areas.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)