HITECH

1. HITECH Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Paul R Richardson

2. HITECH – Meaningful Use • Regulations and Incentives program for EHR adoption • Three Stages – Current Stage 1 – Runs through 2012 • Install and Meaningfully Use EHR system • 25 Meaningful Use objectives must be met • 15 Core – E-Prescribing (eRx), CPOE, … • 10 Menu Set – Patient centered involvement

3. For More information on Meaningful Use https://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/Downloads/MU_Stage1_ReqOverview.pdf Blumenthal writes, "It is impossible to imagine a high-performing U.S. health system that does not take full advantage of the computing technology that has transformed virtually every other aspect of human endeavor."Read more: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/2010/2/4/blumenthal-outlines-hitechs-ultimate-goals-in-nejm-perspective.aspx#ixzz1LylGoJl1

4. HITECH – Workforce Development • 82 Colleges and Universities • Train Workers to assist in meeting meaningful use • 6 Month certificate for Health or IT professionals • Runs through 2012 – Extension through 2013 expected • Two Tracks • Analyst/Consultant • IT/Engineer

5. Analyst/Consultant Track • Document the workflow and information management models of the practice • Conduct user requirements analysis • Develop revised workflow and information management models

6. Analyst/Consultant Track • Analyze and recommend solutions for health IT implementation • Advise and assist clinicians with technology • Ensure that the patient/consumer perspective is incorporated into EHR deployments

7. Analyst/Consultant Track • Apply project management and change management principles • Interact with office/hospital personnel to ensure open communication with the support team • Manage vendor-practice relations

8. Analyst/Consultant Track - Classes • Introduction to Information and Computer Science • History of Health Information Technology in the U.S. • Fundamentals of Health Workflow Process Analysis • Quality Improvement • Working in Teams

9. Engineering Track • Provide on-site support for EHR Systems • Execute implementation project • Incorporate usability principles

10. Engineering Track • Interact with end users to diagnose IT problems • Document IT problems and evaluate resolution • Support systems security and standards

11. Engineering Track - Classes • Intro to Health Care and Public Health in the U.S. • The Culture of Health Care • Installation and Maintenance of Health IT Systems • Configuring EHRs • Special Topics Course on Vendor-Specific Systems

12. Crossover Classes • Terminology in Health Care and Public Health • Health Management Information Systems • Working with Health IT Systems • Networking and Health Information Exchange • Usability and Human Factors • Professionalism/Customer Service

13. Curriculum Developed Nationally • Johns Hopkins University • Duke University • Columbia University • University of Alabama • Oregon Health and Science University

14. Online Blackboard System • All classes are taught online • 2-3 Units (Lessons) per week • Each class runs 2-5 weeks • One quiz per unit • Commitment of 12-15 hours per week – MINIMUM!

15. The HIT Pro™ exams assess the competency of health IT professionals to: National Certification Exam • Assess workflows • Select hardware and software • Work with vendors • Install and test systems • Diagnose IT problems • Train practice staff on system http://www.hitproexams.org/

16. Program Update • Students Enrolled in S. Maine and NH: 200 • Full Scholarships • Goal by 2012: 450 • Incumbent Workers: 75% • Graduates: 25

17. Contact Paul RichardsonProgram Director - Health Information TechnologySouthern Maine Community College2 Fort RoadSouth Portland, Maine 04106207 741 5870email: prichardson@smccME.edu web: smccME.edu/HIT