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ENGAGEMENT
The initial phase of HIT Implementation is engagement. This involves
• Setting premliminary objectives for implementing health information technology
• Assessing the practices/hospitals readiness to take on a HIT implementation project
• Engaging key players
• Laying the groundwork for changing culture
• Beginning workflow design
SETTING HIT/EHR OBJECTIVES
Well defined HIT objectives assist in determining the scope of the HIT project and serve as the basis
for choosing EHR functions down the road. Objectives emerge from a careful consideration of the
goals, needs, and wants of the practice. If one objective is to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid incentives,
then the eligible professional or hospital should demonstrate they have implemented electronic
technology and are using it to meet meaningful use criteria. This goes beyond the simple transference
of medical records to an electronic format, to using the EHR system to achieve health and efficiency
goals. HITECH’s incentives and assistance programs seek to improve the health of Americans and the
performance of their health care system through “meaningful use” of EHRs to achieve five health care
goals:
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Improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care while reducing disparities
Engage patients and families in their care
Promote public and population health
Improve care coordination and
Promote the privacy and security of EHRs
HIT Functions:
EHR and other electronic systems are designed to organize and store patient records. They are designed
to assist with some or all of the following functions:
(See section 19 for more details on meaningful use criteria and timelines)
•Care management, decision support, clinical guidelines, care plans (list problems, medications,
allergies, patients, and conditions, by provider)
• Patient self-management
• Enhanced patient access to clinicians
• Prescribing and medication management
• Communication
• Test and referral tracking
o Flow sheets with lab results and findings,
o Alerts, and recall reminders for results and needed care
• Communication
o Enhanced patient access to clinicians
o Contact patients for notification of test results, education, etc.
8 • HIT Implementation in Primary Care Practices Supporting Patient Centered Care