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

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

For More information on Meaningful Use /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: ultimate-goals-in-nejm-perspective.aspx#ixzz1LylGoJl1http:// ultimate-goals-in-nejm-perspective.aspx#ixzz1LylGoJl1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 hours per week – MINIMUM!

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

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

Contact Paul Richardson Program Director - Health Information Technology Southern Maine Community College 2 Fort Road South Portland, Maine web: smccME.edu/HIT