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What's New | August 05, 2009

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Integrating Health Information Technology with Care Delivery
The Institute of Medicine has recommended that hospitals and medical groups adopt electronic medical record (EMR) systems, electronic order entry and prescribing, and other process improvements to improve patient care and safety. However, physicians have been slow to adopt health information technology (HIT) due to time and financial constraints.

The featured innovations describe programs that implemented HIT systems—one used financial incentives to increase physician use—and improved care delivery.

The featured QualityTools provide practical information and resources to facilitate HIT use.
Featured Innovations:

•  Electronic Health Record–Facilitated Care Process Redesign Enhances Access to Care, Reduces Hospitalizations and Costs for Patients With Chronic Illnesses

•  Archived Financial Incentives for Physicians Lead to Increased Adoption of Health Information Technologies and Other Quality/Safety Improvements

•  Real-Time Decision and Documentation Support Increases Adherence to Recommended Care for Respiratory Infections, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

•  Updated Instant Access to Clinical Information From Other Providers Leads to Reports of Higher Quality and Lower Costs for Medicaid Beneficiaries
with Story

Featured QualityTools:

• Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
Developed by RTI International

• Health Information Technology Bibliography
Developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

• Using Telehealth to Improve Quality and Safety: Findings From the AHRQ Health Information Technology Portfolio
Developed by AHRQ National Resource Center for Health Information Technology

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Also in This Issue:
Innovations >

• 24-Hour, Bilingual Nurse Line Provides Advice and Interpreter Services for Plan Members, Leading to Wiser Decisions and Cost Savings

• Automated Phone Counseling Helps Parents of Overweight Children Model and Encourage Appropriate Behaviors, Leading to Meaningful Reduction in Body Mass Index
with Story

• Group Visits Focused on Prenatal Care and Parenting Improve Birth Outcomes and Provider Efficiency

• Patient Safety Alert System That Uses Principles From Auto Manufacturing Increases Reporting and Improves Safety in a Medical Center

• Standardized Tools and Protocols Increase Provision of Recommended Care in Key Clinical Areas, Reducing Hospital Mortality

• Attempt Telephone-Based Coaching Does Not Reduce Rate of Falls or Fall-Related Injuries, but Prompts Changes in Hospital Processes That May Lead to Future Improvement

• Timely Assessment Increases Targeted Preventive Treatment for Patients at Risk for Hospital-Acquired Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Training on Culturally Sensitive Patient Care Leads to Reports of Enhanced Knowledge and Cultural Awareness