The Effect of Interoperable Health IT on Efficiency in Ambulatory Practices

Interoperable health IT allows for the reduction of barriers in the exchange of health information. Substantial work flow efficiencies and cost reductions may be realized by reducing these barriers, and integrating information exchange among different providers and healthcare systems. Some of the avenues in which these efficiencies and cost reductions are likely to be achieved are through easier access to test results, reduction in medication errors, quality monitoring and improvement methodologies, and increased consumer choice. In recognition of the potential for these improvements, New York State has provided funding to regional entities (Regional Health Information Organizations-RHIO'S) whose role is to assist practice providers in the development, implementation, and integration of these interoperable IT systems. New York State has also provided funding to evaluate the technology implementations facilitated by the RHIOs. The investigators will be working with health care providers that have been assisted by the Greater Rochester RHIO.

Depending on the unique characteristics of the hardware and software that is developed and implemented, there may be variations in operational flow that effect efficiency in the ambulatory care setting. The goal of our study is to measure and evaluate the effects of interoperable IT systems in the work flow practices of providers that have implemented them in the ambulatory care setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Our population will include all of the providers and office workers within the ambulatory care settings that have implemented the interoperable IT programs, and are required to utilize the systems for their daily job functions. Our research population will not include patients, as the participants of our study are the health care workers.

Exclusion criteria

• Our population will be "all inclusive" of all office staff and providers that are required to utilize the systems in place in order to perform their day-to-day functions. There will be no exclusions except for those under 18 years of age, and non English speakers (neither of which are expected to be in the eligible population).