Maine Explores Interconnectivity

Medical experts from the Maine Health InformationCenter are investigating how technologycan provide greater efficiency in the state's healthcare system. The nonprofit group is working on apaperless records system that would allowauthorized physicians and other clinicians to haveinstant access to their patients' medical recordsfrom any computer.

The clinical information-sharing infrastructureunder consideration would involve a system thatwould allow for secure and direct point-of-caresharing of vital patient-specific clinical informationwith the following goals:

• Improve patient safety
• Improve quality of care
• Reduce duplication of services to increaseefficiency and lower costs
• Allow connectivity with emerging healthcare provider and public health informationtechnology infrastructure
• Provide patients with access to their personalhealth information

An electronic medical records system wouldallow for a thorough assessment of patient information,especially if patients see multiple physicians.Information on recent medical procedures,drug allergies, and problem conditions would beavailable instantly in case of an emergency.