Health information technology (HIT) provides the umbrella framework to describe the comprehensive management of health information across computerized systems and its secure exchange between consumers, providers, government and quality entities, and insurers. Health information technology (HIT) is in general increasingly viewed as the most promising tool for improving the overall quality, safety and efficiency of the health delivery system (Chaudhry et al., 2006). Broad and consistent utilization of HIT will:. | “Health Information Technology for dummies: what I wish I had known before implementing HIT in a rural region” Kiki C. Nocella, PhD, MHA University of Southern California June 5, 2006 Rural California But contrary to popular belief, California is a rural state. In fact 80% of land mass 14% (and growing) of population live in rural California million residents Source: 2000 census data Rural Medical Service Study Areas Frontier – less than 7 persons per square mile Rural – less than 250 persons per square mile Non-Rural In fact, 80% of California’s land mass is rural When you look at the Inland Empire, easily half is frontier (7 people per square mile), and most of the rest is rural (less than 250 per square mile). Only a very small portion is urban. And rural is growing - not because of the overall growth in population in california, but because of Dynamic of “equity refugees” – people in urban areas who sell their homes, cash in their equity, and move to a more tranquil life in | “Health Information Technology for dummies: what I wish I had known before implementing HIT in a rural region” Kiki C. Nocella, PhD, MHA University of Southern California June 5, 2006 Rural California But contrary to popular belief, California is a rural state. In fact 80% of land mass 14% (and growing) of population live in rural California million residents Source: 2000 census data Rural Medical Service Study Areas Frontier – less than 7 persons per square mile Rural – less than 250 persons per square mile Non-Rural In fact, 80% of California’s land mass is rural When you look at the Inland Empire, easily half is frontier (7 people per square mile), and most of the rest is rural (less than 250 per square mile). Only a very small portion is urban. And rural is growing - not because of the overall growth in population in california, but because of Dynamic of “equity refugees” – people in urban areas who sell their homes, cash in their equity, and move to a more tranquil life in rural regions. And yet, those same people expect amenities, such as healthcare, at the same level of access and quality as in urban regions. And rural Inland Empire is changing too. Market Area (Tehachapi, Mojave, California City) Crossing the Quality Chasm in Southeast Kern County Population Centers in Southeast Kern County are: Tehachapi (population 34,383) ¹ California City (population 8,385)² Mojave (population 3,836)² Boron (population 2,025)² North Edwards (population 1,227)² 1. Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce (2006 projected) 2. 2000 . Census The Basics .vital statistics of SE Kern Second worst county in State for rates of Chlamydia (57th out of 58) 3rd largest and the 7th poorest of California’s 58 counties. Deaths due to diabetes, 47th out of 58 Deaths due to coronary artery disease, 56th out of 58 outward migration for inpatient care Hard to address chronic disease and quality of care when everyone is leaving the region to get their care! Have to get the care back in
