The group agreed to the formation of several committees within the Health Tech Network. The committees would provide interested parties with an opportunity to meet between the monthly meetings to address specific issues. Suggested committees include: capital financing; website; wireless communication, and privacy and security (HIPAA). The group has already formed a Program Committee and an Open Source Committee.
Roger Maduro, co-chair of the Open Source Task Force, then discussed conclusions from the committee’s initial meeting held on May 8, 2003. These included a mission to explore opportunities for Open Source software to improve health care quality, enhance patient safety and lower the total cost of technology ownership. The committee also discussed major news regarding open source, including recent legislative developments and vendor news.
Dr. Paul Hackmeyer, Chief of Staff, Safety Council at Cedar Sinai; Larry Schultis, Partner in Shaw Pittman, and Patricia Thompson of EPIC presented the provider, legal and vendor perspectives of utilizing and implementing CPOE technology in hospitals:
Dr. Hackmeyer explained that Cedar Sinai decided to implement a hiatus from the CPOE system it originally installed and highlighted both the benefits and burdens of the system. He indicated that residents were the backbone of the CPOE effort, but that many physicians resisted the system because because it was not perceived to be sufficiently user-friendly.
Mr. Schultis stressed that once a provider decides to upgrade its technology, there should be an RFP process to enhance competition. Moreover, the provider should include attorneys at the onset of the process. By including the legal team in the RFP process, the purchaser is less likely to agree to unfavorable terms and conditions, allowing the provider to experience a smoother transition and implementation process.
Patricia Thompson from EPIC, provided insight into the vendor’s perspective of providing healthcare technology. EPIC, located wholly in Madison, Wisconsin, focuses on providing patient-centric healthcare technology.