Developing a health information infrastructure for Arizona

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine
• Network Infrastructure

Background:

• Geographic isolation and dispersed academic programs in Arizona necessitate robust network connectivity for health sciences.
• The University of Arizona (UA) sought National Library of Medicine/National Science Foundation (NLM/NSF) funding to enhance statewide health information networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand network connectivity to hospitals and health-related institutions across Arizona.
• To foster collaboration in health sciences education and research through improved digital infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• Securing leased communication lines for major teaching hospitals.
• Utilizing NSF funds for necessary hardware and establishing dial-up Internet access for rural practitioners.
• Leveraging existing networks and familiar technologies for cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Successful acquisition of NSF funding to accelerate the creation of an expanded health information network in Arizona.
• Transition from managing connectivity to planning advanced computing and communication services.
• Securing private funds to establish the Arizona Health Information Network for service direction.

Conclusions:

• The NLM/NSF Connections Program significantly advanced health information network infrastructure in Arizona.
• The project facilitated a shift towards comprehensive digital health services, improving access and collaboration statewide.