When it comes to health status, West Virginia is a national leader, but not in a positive way. The state leads the nation in a number of chronic diseases - including diabetes, strokes and cardiovascular disease - and factors such as limited activity, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control.
It's not surprising, given that the state is ranked 47th in per capita income, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. It is surprising, however, that West Virginia's regional extension center ranks as one of the top programs in the country for getting its physicians to transition from paper to electronic patient records. Or is it really surprising?
West Virginia's REC had a goal of helping 1,000 physicians make the transition. The REC has already signed up nearly 500 physicians since it began recruiting. Given that the national success rate among the 62 RECs around the country is approximately 30 percent, according to Roger Chaufournier, program director for West Virginia Regional Health Information Regional Extension Center (WVRHITREC) is achieving above and beyond other states.
Chaufournier said WVRHITREC's success hinged on the partnerships it formed with professional societies, medical organizations and state agencies, and the awareness of the West Virginia healthcare providers.
It helps that these organizations have been concerned about and involved in reducing the chronic conditions that afflict their residents for years. The common goal of improving the health status of West Virginians was already stated and a goal years before. A state health plan assembled by WVU Health Services Research cited technology as both an opportunity and a threat (increased investment and cost behind handed down to the patient).
Given that many have already transitioned or are in the process of transitioning speaks to the groundwork that was done prior to federal legislation driving health IT adoption.
What's the takeaway? Various partnerships being formed with the common goal of improving the quality of care and health outcomes. When the going gets tough - with respect to upfront investment, steep learning curve, loss of productivity until the system is mastered - having that common goal and vision will matter tremendously.
Photo by dougtone courtesy of Creative Commons license.
