HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Two Institute of Medicine reports, To Err is Human and Crossing the Quality Chasm, placed a public spotlight on the urgent need for quality improvement and greater patient safety, and launched public and private sector efforts to create a more patient-centered 21st century health care system.  A variety of tools, such as health information technology (HIT), help to improve care quality and prevent errors. HIT also increases patient satisfaction; it has been shown to give quicker access to clinical information, cut waiting times, reduce repeat appointments and redundant lab tests, and cut paperwork while making data collection simpler.  However, considerable federal investment may be necessary to achieve widespread adoption of HIT. Studies have suggested that implementation of HIT will cost around $8 billion per year, assuming adoption by 90 percent of hospitals and doctors’ offices over 15 years. However, HIT will also save money; the return on investment will be worthwhile for the federal government and industry. Annual savings from efficiency alone are estimated at $77 billion or more.  Legislation to facilitate greater adoption of HIT enjoys bipartisan support and continues to gain momentum.  Senate action in 2007, along with continued support for HIT initiatives, suggests that 2008 will be an important year for progress on this issue.