National eHealth Collaborative dramatically expands education program
WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2011) – *Social Media News Release* – National eHealth Collaborative (NeHC) today unveiled NeHC University, a revamping and substantial expansion of its NHIN University program. NeHC University will move beyond the Nationwide Health Information Network, allowing stakeholders to explore the broader health IT (HIT) landscape and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of HIT in transforming the American healthcare system.
“NeHC University classes will now range from introductory programs to in-depth programs and interactive briefings. We hope NeHC University will be a great forum for raising awareness of innovations and success stories in HIT,” said NeHC CEO Kate Berry.
NeHC University will offer:
- HIT Orientation: NeHC presents an introduction to the HITECH Act, initiatives sponsored by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), and a high-level view of the current HIT landscape in the U.S. This quarterly class is designed for stakeholders who are new to the HIT field, new to NeHC University, or just need a refresher on some of the HIT basics.
· HIT Trends: NeHC will be joined by HIT expert and trends tracker Michael Lake to deliver a quarterly briefing on innovations, new developments, and trends in HIT. From discussions of major business and policy developments to updates on health information exchanges and HIT initiatives and how they are transforming healthcare financing and delivery, HIT Trends provides stakeholders with the opportunity to stay on the cutting-edge of the evolving health IT ecosystem.
· HIT Policy and Standards Committees Quarterly Updates: NeHC will host a quarterly presentation by ONC staff to provide an update on the activities of the Federal Advisory Committees and workgroups. Classes will also serve to provide deep dives into particular topics of interest or aspects of the regulatory process. This class will encourage audience Q&A and actively solicit participant feedback.
· Spotlight Learning Series: Each quarter, NeHC will offer two different three-class series designed to provide stakeholders with an in-depth examination of specific initiatives or issues in HIT. Each series will kick off with an introduction to the spotlight topic followed by more detailed discussions.
The opening Spotlight Learning Series will explore the vision for a Learning Health System, beginning with an overview of the vision and continuing to detailed discussions of the policy and technology frameworks necessary to bring a participatory rapid learning system to fruition.
The other Spotlight Learning Series this quarter will provide a comprehensive discussion on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), including an overview of the Affordable Care Act, an investigation of ACO core competencies and potential pitfalls, and a discussion about models for ACO implementation, pilot ACO lessons learned, and the future ACO environment.
· Industry Leader Briefings: NeHC will host bi-monthly interactive discussions with leading HIT experts on hot topics and timely issues. These hour-long lunchtime seminars will feature high level discussions on key initiatives and offer stakeholders the opportunity to dialogue directly with some of the foremost thought leaders in HIT and health information exchange.
· Guest Lectures: NeHC University will also offer special one-time programs on timely and relevant issues in health IT. Guest lectures will feature topics ranging from special industry announcements to discussions of recent policy or regulatory recommendations and decisions.
· NHIN University: National eHealth Collaborative’s popular NHIN University, an ongoing webinar series focused on the Nationwide Health Information Network, will continue to be a premiere feature of NeHC’s education efforts. The NHIN University 300 series will continue as scheduled as part of the new NeHC University programming.
NeHC has recruited a number of renowned HIT thought leaders to serve on an Advisory Council for NeHC University. The Advisory Council will assist NeHC in identifying topics, and will serve as and help to engage faculty. “The expansion of NeHC’s education program is a welcome and exciting announcement given the rapidly evolving world of HIT,” stated Advisory Council member Adam Clark, Ph.D., a member of the ONC Health IT Policy Committee and Director of Scientific and Federal Affairs at FasterCures. “Education is a critical part of accelerating the adoption and implementation of health IT. The Advisory Council is proud to work with NeHC on this program and looks forward to assisting in the development of new classes.”
In order to support the continued expansion and production of high-quality education programs, some NeHC University classes will be offered for a nominal fee. Government employees and ONC grantees should contact NeHC at university@nationalehealth.org for special rates.
NeHC invites stakeholders to check out some of the new NeHC University offerings free of charge, including the first HIT Orientation: Welcome to NeHC University and the first Spotlight Learning Series – Spotlight on the Learning Health System.
For a full class schedule, detailed descriptions of upcoming classes, and information on how to register, please visit the NeHC University website at www.nationalehealth.org/NeHCUniversity.aspx.
About National eHealth Collaborative
National eHealth Collaborative (NeHC) is a public-private partnership that enables secure and interoperable nationwide health information exchange to advance health and improve health care. Working in conjunction with its partners, NeHC engages stakeholders in a collaborative and consensus-driven way to realize common goals that lead to transformative change. NeHC reaches broadly into all sectors of healthcare and health IT, employs open and inclusive methods, and makes its outcomes broadly available for continued improvement. This philosophy and approach allows NeHC to offer a uniquely balanced perspective that leverages diverse points of view and provides the essential public-private platform for collaboratively pursuing solutions to universal trusted and effective health information exchange. NeHC is a cooperative agreement partner of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
About NeHC University
National eHealth Collaborative’s NeHC University is a web-based education program designed to provide stakeholders with timely and relevant information on health information technology and health information exchange in the United States. By offering introductory programs focused on providing an orientation to health IT, as well as deep dives into specific health IT topics, NeHC University provides unique opportunities for interested stakeholders to learn about multiple health IT initiatives, programs, and trends all in one place.
