OMQ

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality (OFMQ) will lead a project to enhance Health Information Technology (HIT) knowledge and utilization among the health care and public health workforce called the Health Information Technology Advancement Program (HITAP). This program will provide education, resources, and technical assistance to health care providers regarding Electronic Health Record (EHR) utilization, IT security and risk management, telehealth, and Value-Based Care (VBC) programs. The primary goals of the program are: 1) Enhance HIT and public health workforce capacity in small, rural, and underserved areas across Oklahoma, 2) Improve participation and performance in value-based care and quality reporting programs among hospitals and primary care providers, and 3) Implement IT security and risk management programs within healthcare organizations to promote the privacy and security of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). Program goals will be achieved through direct technical assistance for health care providers and their staff, as well as various in-person and virtual education and training opportunities for existing and potential healthcare workforce members.

EVIDENCE

The Regional Extension Center program (HITECH Act - 2009) and the Small, Underserved, and Rural Support program (MACRA - 2014) are two prime examples of successful programs that delivered education and technical assistance to health care providers for implementation and use of Health Information Technology. OFMQ served as the REC for the state of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2016 assisting over 1,500 clinicians and 42 rural hospitals with EHR implementation and quality reporting. There is a current void in technical assistance for providers with the SURS program having ended in February of 2022. SURS - https://preview.qpp.cms.gov/resources/small-underserved-rural-practices?py=2022 REC - https://www.healthit.gov/topic/regional-extension-centers-recs

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has critically impacted our healthcare system placing excessive burden on hospitals, primary care providers, and the numerous staff supporting operations. Actions were taken by declaring a Public Health Emergency to reduce burden on providers while operating during the pandemic including relaxed HIPAA regulations and reporting requirements for quality programs. While these actions helped providers during the pandemic, they may have a negative lasting impact on facilities once the PHE has ended. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, providers faced financial barriers associated with implementing and maintaining HIT systems and technical barriers like incorporating HIT into clinical workflow and constantly training staff on IT systems, quality reporting programs, and other healthcare regulations. These barriers, coupled with relaxed regulations and gaps in quality reporting, demonstrate an immense need for additional assistance for health care providers. HITAP will equip the HIT workforce in Oklahoma with the education, tools, and resources needed to support and advance health care systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas throughout the state. This program will help providers to get back on track with healthcare regulation compliance and quality reporting with a renewed focus on population health management and security of ePHI.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Participation (attendance records) and feedback (speaker/presenter evaluations) from educational sessions, both virtual (webinar) and in-person events (quarterly roadshows) Participation in technical assistance activities through HITAP: ? Number of providers participating in the Medicare Quality Payment Program ? Number of hospitals participating in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program ? Number of health care facilities receiving a Security Risk Analysis to comply with HIPAA regulations protecting ePHI ? Number of health care organizations receiving staff training for HIPAA security practices ? Number of providers connected to Rural Health Networks or Practice-based research networks for sustainability and quality improvement Additional activity tracking listed in attached workplan.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma