Health Information Technology Research

The development of new electronic health records and other forms of health information technology (HIT) have created greater opportunity for the sharing of health information among health care providers. The sharing of health information is further spurred by funding provided by the Accountable Care Act (ACA), encouraging states to develop Health Information Exchanges (HIEs).

The readiness of health care providers to participate in HIEs, however, varies both between and among different types of providers. As part of the development of an HIE in Iowa, the Public Policy Center, at the request of the Iowa E-Health Initiative, conducted an assessment of HIT use for five different types of health care providers: Home Health Agencies, Laboratories, Long-Term Care Facilities, Pharmacies and Radiology Centers.