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Modernization Program Kickoff Lays Foundation for Collaboration and Preparing for Change

by Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service

Program Kickoff

The Indian Health Service’s Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to keep collaboration at the forefront of building and implementing the new enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution with our partners, not for them. In February, IHS hosted a Program Kickoff to collaborate and plan, as we move towards building the system. This event included product demonstrations, governance highlights, timeline discussions, and Program Management Office and Organizational Change Management updates. The Program Kickoff continued to lay the foundation for collaborative efforts, initiating the strategic planning necessary for a successful implementation of the new enterprise EHR solution.

During the event, participants exchanged insights and experiences, which sparked discussion of innovative approaches to enhance interoperability, data security, change management, and patient care delivery. Detailed discussions led to new ideas, such as deciding to host discovery sessions focused on building and deploying the new enterprise EHR solution. The Program Kickoff emphasized relationship building among IHS and our contract partners and encouraged trust and cohesiveness to build a unified team.

IHS leaders in attendance at the Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations Program Kickoff

IHS leaders in attendance at the Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations Program Kickoff (from left to right): Deputy CIO and Deputy Director Andrea Scott; CIO Mitchell Thornbrugh; Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Howard Hays; Director of DHITMO Jeanette Kompkoff

Preparing for Change

The new enterprise EHR solution is an exciting opportunity to modernize health care IT across Indian Country for generations to come. The implementation of modernized technology is essential for IHS to enhance the user experience for patients and providers, centralize the solution for rapid, responsive support from technology experts nationwide, and bolster disaster recovery and the continuity of care. Modernizing will work to minimize system disruptions and streamline access to patient data across facilities, granting patients greater control over their care and providing clinicians with a comprehensive care overview. By transitioning from the Resource and Patient Management System to a commercial enterprise health IT suite, the IHS is addressing these critical needs, laying the groundwork for improved health care delivery and operational efficiency. It is essential for our partners to prepare for the coming changes and the opportunities the new EHR solution presents.

Implementing the new EHR solution will create opportunities to improve processes and continue to lean on lessons learned at each phase. We ask that our partners remain flexible as we prepare for building the system. Our Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations leaders are committed to answering questions and providing guidance throughout the transition process. By collaborating with our partners, embracing innovation, and prioritizing the needs of patients and staff, we position ourselves for the successful implementation of the new enterprise EHR solution. There is still a lot to determine, but our leadership team is committed to collaborating with our partners and providing updates

Stay Connected with the Health IT Modernization Program

Register for 2024 Tribal Consultation and Urban Confer Events

With two more Health IT Modernization Program tribal consultation and urban confer events planned in 2024, we are committed to connecting and collaborating with partners through informative sessions and open forums. Register now using the links below:

   

Statement of Interest

We invite our partners to complete a non-binding Statement of Interest to help IHS understand which tribal and urban sites are interested in becoming part of the enterprise EHR solution partnership. The SOI may be submitted by email to modernization@ihs.gov at any time. Federal sites are not required to complete the SOI form.

Connect with us!

  • Visit the website for more information about the IHS Health IT Modernization Program
  • Visit the events page on the IHS website for details on upcoming engagements
  • Find the 2024 tribal consultation and urban confer event schedule detailed in the December 2023 Dear Tribal Leader Letter (DTLL)
  • Sign up to receive IHS Bi-Weekly Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
  • Sign up to receive Health IT Modernization Program email updates through the listserv
  • Read IHS Blog posts on modernization
  • Follow IHS on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to stay up to date on events, collaboration opportunities, and general program updates

As always, thank you to our partners for their continued support in the Health IT Modernization Program. As we embrace change and prepare for our future, let us continue to keep collaboration and partnership at the center of all that we do.


Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service
Mitchell Thornbrugh, an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is the chief information officer for the Indian Health Service. His responsibilities include advising senior IHS leadership on all aspects of information resource management and technology and ensuring IHS compliance with information technology laws, regulations, and policies.