In the paper, Dr. Doebbeling, director of the Indiana University Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research of the Regenstrief Institute Inc. and director of the Veterans Affairs Center for Implementing Evidence Based Practice in Indianapolis, calls for the partnership of health services researchers, information technology specialists, and physicians.
"Information sharing is crucial," said Dr. Doebbeling, who also is professor of health services research and medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. "If banks can have ATM machines all over the place while protecting the confidentiality and security of financial data, why can't we do the same thing with health data, allowing those who need access to medical data to be able to do so, no matter if they are in a doctor's office or in a community hospital nearby or a medical center across town?
"This paper provides strategies and priorities for partnering to change the complexion of health care," noted Dr. Doebbeling. "One priority is the establishment of data warehouses and data sharing across health systems and locations. Having data available from across health systems can eliminate unnecessary and duplicate tests as well as provide information as it is needed." Strategies include careful planning, implementation and evaluation of technology in care delivery, user feedback, and local adaptation to incorporate technology in the workflow and processes of care.
Many of the strategies and priorities to which Dr. Doebbeling refers are under development.
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Contact: Cindy Fox Aisen
caisen@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
Indiana University
1-Mar-2006