Community Health Information Network (CHIN) Analysis



Community Health Information Network (CHIN) Analysis

Thesis Statement: Community health information networks help to improve efficiency of health care deliverance.

Introduction

The Ernst and Young Health Care Practice define Community health information networks as “inter- organizational systems using information technologies and telecommunications to store, transmit, and transform clinical and financial information. This information can be shared among cooperative as well as competitive participants, such as payors, hospitals, alternative delivery systems, clinics, physicians, and home health agencies” (Payton et. al, 1995). A computer-based information system and a spotlight on community health are included in Community health information networks. Three essential technical services have been possessed a CHIN: linkage, data exchange and information access.

Local clinics, hospitals, health agencies of both state and federal, and other entities may be linked by CHIN. Community health concerns should be addressed by CHIN along with the elimination of geographic and bureaucratic obstacles to communication and information interchange for the purposes of community health.

From grassroots community efforts, the idea of Community Health Information Networks was developed to make information more efficient among the multitude of partners with the end objective of better incorporation of care and enhanced cost savings. The goal of CHINs is improvement of effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of healthcare. The operations of CHINs are in parallel of member organizations, and typically set off by not-for-profit organizations that are community-based. For the community, resources and educational tools are provided by some CHINs while disease and case management module are provided by the others. This paper seeks to discuss Oregon community health information network. Throughout the healthcare community, OCHIN is recognized as a leader in Health IT and offering high quality educational programs.

Discussion & Analysis

Based in Oregon, the OCHIN- Oregon Community Health Information Network is a not-for-profit partnership of publicly and privately ...