NACDS Foundation, eHealth Initiative Seek to Transform Patient Care through Electronic Healthcare Data Systems

NACDS Foundation, eHealth Initiative Seek to Transform Patient Care through Electronic Healthcare Data Systems

Conference to be held June 11-12 in Arlington, Virginia

Alexandria, Va. Recognizing the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation, in collaboration with the eHealth Initiative, a nationally recognized Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization specializing in quality and health information technology, will host a conference titled HIT, EMR, PHR- Transforming Patient Care, June 11-12, 2008, at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

The cutting-edge conference seeks to address the use of technology in electronic prescribing, medication therapy management, patient education programs, comprehensive medication review and other initiatives to manage data and improve patient health.

Advances in health information technology, new electronic prescribing regulations and increased adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) are changing the landscape of pharmacy provided patient services, said Phil Schneider, president of the NACDS Foundation. As other sectors of the healthcare system adopt health information technology practices, the opportunity is tremendous for community pharmacy to play an integral role in new ways to provide patient care.

This conference will focus on highlighting significant progress madeacross a variety of sectors of health careincluding pharmacies--in using health information technology (IT) to transform patient care, said Janet Marchibroda, chief executive officer of eHealth Initiative. This conference will offer practical guidance and best practices for using health IT to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of health care in the U.S.

Conference sessions will:

• Explore what's driving health IT development in both the public and private sectors
• Provide background on the issues that affect stakeholder attitudes toward health IT, and insight into challenges facing different health IT users (clinicians, payers, providers, pharmacists, consumers)
• Discuss trends, regulations and standards which affect the adoption of electronic edical records (EMRs), electronic prescribing, personal health records (PHRs) and other health information technology (HIT) initiatives
• Identify the operational challenges of EMR, PHR, and electronic prescribing implementation
• Explore new innovative approaches for using PHRs to improve patient relations, enhance provider satisfaction and reduce administrative burdens
• Explore the potential benefits that pharmacy can gain by becoming engaged and present clear next steps for pharmacy to take to continue the advancement of health information technology.

The conference will consist of a series of interactive sessions with nationally recognized industry leaders and experts. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with the speakers and panelists throughout the conference.

For registration information please visit: www.nacdsfoundation.org

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