EHRs in Underserved Settings

Most studies of EHRs have looked and inpatient and well resourced settings. While little has been published about EHRs in underserved populations, implementation is proceeding rapidly and with high expectations for these installations to improve quality and reduce disparities.

Underserved populations are defined as populations that have fewer providers and worse health outcomes and are designated by the Federal Government (see http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/muaguide.htm ). They are served by a safety-net of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), HIV grant programs, free clinics, and hospitals, many funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

EHR adoption in the 1100 FQHCs has been strongly encouraged by the Government. A survey by the National Association of Community Health Centers in 2008 showed that 49% of the 362 health centers that responding were using an EHR (“all electronic” or “part paper and part electronic”).

Adoption in underserved pops NACHC studies

Differences from other adoptions

Federal support and mu applies to these providers as well Feds very strongly encouraging adoption of certified EHRs. Hrsa ohit/OHITQ Underserved in ARRA -in RECs

Resources

HRSA home page - http://www.hrsa.gov/index.html HRSA's Office of Health IT and Quality - http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/index.html Lardiere, MR. A National Survey of Health Information Technology (HIT) Adoption in Federally Qualified Health Centers. NACHC, 2008 - http://www.nachc.org/Health%20Information%20Technologies%20(HIT).cfm

Submitted by Jeff Weinfeld