Health Information Technology (HIT) IPG

Overview

Patient Safety Tools

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Current Issue #5 - Error Reporting Systems: Feedback and Communication

Previous Issues

#1: Communication: Handoffs & Transitions

#2: The Case for Leadership Support

#3: Moving From A Culture of Blame

#4: Becoming Comfortable With Error Reporting

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As reflected in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report, "To Err is Human", health care in the United States is not as safe as it should be--and can be. At least 44,000 people, and perhaps as many as 98,000 people, die in hospitals each year as a result of medical errors that could have been prevented, according to estimates from two major studies.

The IOM identified eight core functionalities for information technology: health information and data, results management, order entry/management, decision support, electronic communication and connectivity, patient support, administrative processes and reporting, and population health management. With these functions in place, providers have the information needed to make sound clinical decisions, reduce redundancy, reduce errors, improve communication between providers, enhance patient knowledge, provide more timely care, and provide data that supports further quality improvement efforts.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Health Information Technology (HIT) project is a three-year, national quality improvement initiative. The objective of the initiative is to engage hospital leadership in incorporating IT into their strategic planning process in order to support quality improvement and patient safety goals, improve health care outcomes, and increase hospital efficiencies.

IPRO is collaborating with a group of New York State hospitals in support of their plans to integrate various technologies; including computerized physician order entry (CPOE), bar coding at the point of care (BPOC), and telehealth. These technologies seek to overcome human limitations and environmental effects on patient safety and performance. It is well documented that CPOE and bar coding are known to produce dramatic improvements in patient safety, and that telemedicine expands accessibility to specialized health care.

Project Description

A national health informatics initiative designed to accelerate adoption of new technologies to improve the outcomes of care.

Project Goals

• Engage hospital leadership in a demonstration of the long-term return on investment of health information technology (HIT), in the form of:
  • Enhanced patient safety
  • Improved patient outcomes
  • Reduced cost of providing care
  • Interdepartmental cooperation and communication
• Assist hospital leadership in assessing current hospital systems; choosing the most appropriate technology (CPOE, bar coding at the point of care or telehealth); and planning for HIT implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

An updated list of frequently asked questions can be accessed on the HIT Online Forum on JENY (Joint Effort New York). If you register for JENY, you may also ask questions, make comments, and seek information from IPRO and from all participating hospitals. To register, click the following link and follow the instructions: http://jeny.ipro.org/register.php.

If your hospital or organization would like to share your experiences implementing any of the project's technology areas, we would welcome your participation in our upcoming educational conference series. Please contact Suzanne Columbus, Project Manager, Health Information Technology.

Updates and Events

• IPRO Recognizes 17 Health Professionals and Organizations for Quality Improvemement Efforts

• HIT Conference call series begins May 15th, "The Journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step" HIT planning and implementation, tools for success. For more information, visit http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=1103.

• New Immunization Requirements Effective October 24, 2006

• Immunization Updates Conference Calls 09/11, 09/12, 09/13 - Audio Recording

• All project updates and events can be accessed on the HIT Online Forum on JENY (Joint Effort New York) http://jeny.ipro.org/forumdisplay.php?f=81.

Project Contact

Project Manager, Health Information Technology

516-326-7767 extension 589

Senior Director

518-426-3300 extension 108