Hospitals are moving away from paper-based records to electronic medical records and electronic health records to retain patient-care data. Electronic formatting facilitates data capture in a “real-time” environment, and allows many users to access the data at the same time.

CHA supports the capture and availability of secure patient-care data through the use of health information technology (HIT) across the continuum of care. CHA believes HIT will serve as a tool to enhance patient safety, promote information for preventative health and reduce health care costs.

Hospitals face a number of challenges as they implement HIT — such as security and interoperability. The definition of HIT and the development of standards are crucial to successful interoperability and the safe and effective exchange of patient data. Certification of vendor systems, for example, involves compliance with industry-accepted data and technical standards.

CHA’s Health Informatics and Technology Committee provides a platform for discussing policy and legislation regarding the continued development of electronic health information.

Health Information Exchanges

Used to disburse patient information efficiently, health information exchanges (HIEs) may be small in scope to accommodate information sharing between hospitals and physician offices, or they may be regional, accommodating information sharing among many relevant providers. The Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) model is a core component of the National Health Information Network. CHA is an active participant in the promotion of the California RHIO.