Defining core issues in utilizing information technology to improve access: evaluation and research agenda

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a leader in health information technology (IT) and electronic health records.
• Despite advanced IT adoption, key questions remain about maximizing its potential to improve patient access to quality care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the potential of IT to enhance healthcare access.
• To identify gaps in current evidence linking IT and healthcare access.
• To outline methodologic challenges in IT and healthcare access research.

Main Methods:

• The paper reviews the literature on IT's role in healthcare access within the VA.
• It highlights four key areas for implementing and evaluating IT interventions: Veteran/caregiver needs, provider needs, system/organizational issues, and external IT integration.

Main Results:

• Significant potential exists for IT to improve healthcare access.
• Gaps in evidence and methodologic challenges hinder research.
• Key implementation issues include understanding diverse user needs and system integration.

Conclusions:

• Addressing Veteran and provider perceptions, organizational factors, and IT integration is crucial.
• The findings are applicable beyond the VA to other healthcare systems adopting IT solutions.