The Department of Health and Human Services is currently seeking feedback on a draft federal health IT strategic plan. Released by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the plan outlines four key goals: promoting health and Wellness, enhancing care delivery and experience, accelerating research and innovation, and connecting the health system with health data. This collaborative effort involving 25 federal agencies aims to improve health outcomes through policy and technology components supporting health IT users in connecting with data.
One significant focus of the plan is on educating, outreach, and transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The goal is to ensure that both individuals and healthcare providers are well-informed about the performance and privacy practices of this technology.
Jim Jirjis, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data policy and standards division, recognizes the importance of advancing the nation’s public health data infrastructure through this strategic plan. Similarly, Meg Marshall, director of informatics regulatory affairs at the Veterans Health Administration, emphasizes the need for veterans to benefit from a coordinated federal health IT strategy.
The VA has faced challenges with its Oracle Cerner-run electronic health record system, leading to setbacks and safety concerns. As the VA works to modernize its EHR system, ONC’s draft plan is seen as a roadmap towards a seamless healthcare experience for patients and providers. This plan aligns and coordinates federal health IT efforts in a transparent and accountable manner.
Overall, the draft Federal Health IT Strategic Plan is a crucial step in advancing healthcare technology and data systems for improved public health outcomes. It serves as a guide for federal agencies to work together in enhancing the delivery and experience of care, promoting health and wellness, accelerating research and innovation, and connecting health data systems effectively.
Written by Caroline Nihill, a reporter for FedScoop in Washington, D.C., this article sheds light on the importance of the draft federal health IT strategic plan and the collaborative efforts to advance healthcare technology. Caroline’s reporting experience includes tracking artificial intelligence governance and modernization efforts across the federal government, providing valuable insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.
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