Transforming Healthcare Quality Through Information Technology (THQIT) - Planning Grants

Developed a detailed plan for the implementation and support of informatics tools in regional health centers including the creation of informatics tools to manage institutional surgical care information, creation of a multi-institutional partnership to manage both the informatics and surgical quality improvement programs, and the development of an economic model related to the business and safety benefits.

Developed new systems and a high level of integration and cooperation in four significant areas: medication management, patient discharge, high-level integration of information, and the development of a new paradigm for evaluating, selecting, and implementing new technologies.

Developed, implemented, and evaluated a cooperative effort for using health IT to facilitate a continuum of appropriate medical and developmental care, from the time infants are admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), through the transition process to community-based health care services for infants most at-risk for long-term neurodevelopmental problems.

This project developed an implementation plan for pharmacy and medication-related health information systems in critical access hospitals, and included an on-site health IT survey, two planning conferences, and an assessment of resources.

Developed a central electronic health record system that allows sharing of health information between a hospital, medical group, county health department, and behavioral health organization for rural economically disadvantaged, ethnic/racial minority residents, the elderly, and persons with special/complex health care needs.

Explored health IT as a method of sharing patient information and developed an electronic health record for patients who utilize rural, urban, acute, and rehabilitation facilities.

Planned the development and implementation of a health IT infrastructure throughout three rural counties, including high-speed Internet access, CPOE, CDSS, EHR, and continuity of care record templates.