Across the country, in practices large and small, urban and rural, general and specialized, health care providers are beginning their journey towards the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Some practices are in the preliminary stages of learning about health IT, while others have already implemented systems and are using them to the benefit of patients.

We believe these real life experiences are valuable tools to share with other providers so they can learn from each other’s successes and the “speed bumps” along the way.  To facilitate this beneficial exchange, ONC has launched a new feature on its website—Health IT Journey: Stories from the Road. The site will be dedicated to collecting and sharing the personal experiences of real-world health IT users, and the lessons they have learned.

While the Regional Extension Centers will offer hands on assistance, and the Health Information Technology Research Center will disseminate best practices, Health IT Journeys will contribute a more personal component to the base of knowledge that will ultimately bring the meaningful use of health IT from vision to reality.

If you have struggled with a specific aspect of implementation, then no doubt other providers have, too. If you have discovered efficiencies and creative solutions, then others will likely benefit from your knowledge. You can make a difference in efforts to ensure the nationwide adoption of EHRs simply by sharing your story.

For example:

• How did you decide on and then introduce health IT into your practice?
• How are you working meaningful use of health IT into the day-to-day management of your practice?
• What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome those challenges?
• How is health IT affecting the quality of care you provide to your patients?

Let us know your experience.

With your help, we can make care better through the use of EHRs.