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August 05, 2009

Featured Topic:  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.
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Innovation Profiles:
- updated Electronic Medical Record–Facilitated Care Process Redesign Enhances Access to Care, Reduces Hospitalizations and Costs for Patients With Chronic Illnesses
- updated Group Visits Focused on Prenatal Care and Parenting Improve Birth Outcomes and Provider Efficiency
- updated Patient Safety Alert System That Uses Principles From Auto Manufacturing Increases Reporting and Improves Safety in a Medical Center
- updated Standardized Processes Improve Adherence to Evidence-Based Protocols, Significantly Reducing Common Surgery-Related Complications
- updated Timely Assessment Increases Targeted Preventive Treatment for Patients at Risk for Hospital-Acquired Deep Vein Thrombosis
- 24-Hour, Bilingual Nurse Line Improves Access to Advice and Interpreter Services for Low-Income, Spanish-Speaking 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
- Financial Incentives for Physicians Lead to Increased Adoption of Health Information Technologies and Other Quality/Safety Improvements
- Instant Access to Clinical Information From Other Providers Leads to Reports of Higher Quality and Lower Costs for Medicaid Beneficiaries
- Real-Time Decision and Documentation Support Increases Adherence to Recommended Care for Respiratory Infections, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
- Standardized Tools and Protocols Increase Provision of Recommended Care in Key Clinical Areas, Reducing Hospital Mortality
- Training on Culturally Sensitive Patient Care Leads to Reports of Enhanced Knowledge and Cultural Awareness

Innovation Attempts:
- updated 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

QualityTools:
- Choosing Non-Opioid Analgesics for Osteoarthritis (Clinician Guide)
- Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Toolkit
- Health Information Security and Privacy Provider Education Toolkit
- Health Information Technology Bibliography
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Guide for Adults
- Three Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Evidence Shows Lack of Benefit
- Using Telehealth to Improve Quality and Safety: Findings From the AHRQ Health Information Technology Portfolio

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Last updated: August 05, 2009.
 
 
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