* Health Information Technology Leadership Panel: Final Report
Last week the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a report calling increased IT investment and public-private collaboration essential for the healthcare industry.
“Information technology is a pivotal part of transforming our health care system,” says HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “We are at a critical juncture. Working in close collaboration, the federal government and private sector can drive changes that will lead to fewer medical errors, lower costs, less hassle and better care.”
The report outlines the findings of the Health Information Technology Leadership Panel. Large companies that purchase a substantial amount of healthcare for their employees are represented, including firms such as Federal Express, General Motors, Target, Pepsico, Procter & Gamble and Wells Fargo.
The Leadership Panel’s key goals for health IT include widespread adoption of interoperable health IT. The panel recommends the federal government use its leverage as the country’s largest healthcare payer to drive adoption of health IT, and also calls for private sector private sector purchasers and health care organizations to collaborate with the government in this effort.
Here are the conclusions the panel reached to guide health IT adoption by the federal government and private sector:
* The potential benefits of health IT far outweigh manageable costs.
* Health IT needs a clear, broadly motivating vision and practical adoption strategy.
* The federal government should provide leadership, and the industry will engage and follow.
* Lessons of adoption and success of IT in other industries should inform and enhance adoption of health IT.
* Stakeholder incentives must be aligned to foster health IT adoption.
* The consumer – including individual beneficiaries, patients, family members and the public-at-large – is key to adoption of health IT and realizing its benefits.
For a copy of the report, titled “Health Information Technology Leadership Panel: Final Report”, go to www.hhs.gov
