Medical Device Link.

Originally Published MX September/October 2004

SPECIAL REPORT: IT IN HEALTHCARE

Connecting for Health is one of the broadest-based entities in the world of healthcare information technology. It was founded in 2002 by the Markle Institute, whose mission is to accelerate the use of technology for critical public needs—especially in health and national security. It receives additional support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, another leader in healthcare philanthropy.

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As its name implies, Connecting for Health is about linking things together. Besides digital interoperability, the name may be taken to reflect the fact that the group is a collaboration among many public and private entities. Indeed, its 100 participants—drawn from every segment of the healthcare universe—include many of the most important and influential organizations in this field. AHIMA, NAHIT, and HIMSS are all members, along with senior officials of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, academic institutions, national standards groups, and consumer organizations. Moreover, Connecting for Health has more than 60 individual, nationally known experts on its steering group, which advises on strategy.

Connecting for Health regards the current lack of connectivity among healthcare entities as a dangerous and expensive problem. The organization has recently released a three-part roadmap of recommendations for bringing about a fully integrated, IT-based healthcare system. The first step would involve the creation of a "network of networks" to connect systems without a central database or a national health ID; the second step would involve realigning incentives, including payments to providers for using IT; and the third would involve publicity to increase public awareness of the problem.

The initiative's Web site can be visited at www.connectingforhealth.org.

Copyright ©2004 MX