Health Information Technology: Websites

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: "Health information technology (health IT) involves the exchange of health information in an electronic environment. Widespread use of health IT within the health care industry will improve the quality of health care, prevent medical errors, reduce health care costs, increase administrative efficiencies, decrease paperwork, and expand access to affordable health care. It is imperative that the privacy and security of electronic health information be ensured as this information is maintained and transmitted electronically."

"Health information technology (IT) encompasses a wide range of products and services—including software, hardware and infrastructure—designed to collect, store and exchange patient data throughout the clinical practice of medicine."

The Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) is a cooperative partnership between the public and private sectors. The Panel was formed for the purpose of harmonizing and integrating standards that will meet clinical and business needs for sharing information among organizations and systems.

"AHRQ's Health IT Portfolio develops and disseminates evidence and evidence-based tools about the impact of health IT on health care quality."

"Health information technology (health IT) makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through secure use and sharing of health information. Health IT includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) instead of paper medical records to maintain people's health information."

From the American Hospital Association: "Research has shown that certain kinds of information technology (IT) – such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE), computerized decision support systems, and bar-coding for medication administration – can limit errors and improve care. IT also can be a tool for improving efficiency. While hospitals have been pioneers in harnessing IT to improve patient care, quality and efficiency, the challenge now is to extend its use and integrate it into the routine care processes in all hospitals, big and small, in both rural and urban areas."

Known as LaHIE, the exchange allows authorized providers and organizations to electronically access and share health-related information through a secure and confidential network for the purpose of improving patient safety, quality of care and health outcomes.

Trusted Health Information for You, A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. From the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.