Using technology may be second nature to most Americans, but when we step inside the healthcare system, most vital health records are still being recorded and monitored the old fashioned way - by hand. This technological gap in healthcare is not only inefficient and costly, it is also deadly. In fact, the Institute of Medicine reports 1.5 million Americans are injured or killed each year, the result of medication errors. The way to stem the tide- according to many healthcare experts - is to create a national health information infrastructure.

The Department of Health has called for such an infrastructure - including electronic health records (EHRs) --for every American within the next decade. President Bush highlighted this necessity in his recent State of the Union address; and healthcare advocates from all over country met in New Orleans to ensure this vision becomes a reality. The location for the 2007 HIMSS conference held extra significance, as not only do EHRs affect patient care on a day to day basis, but NOT having them in place during catastrophic events -- like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes -- any disaster, be it man made or naturally occurring - can prove deadly.

This video highlights how Touro Infirmary was able to conduct business during extenuating circumstances in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This piece will address the need for electronic health records and a national health information infrastructure. Leslie D. Hirsch, President & CEO, Touro Infirmary, and Janet Dillione, President, Healthcare IT Division, Siemens Medical Solutions discuss the latest trends in technology and healthcare being discussed at 2007 HIMSS Conference held in New Orleans.

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  Siemens on TV: Experts Discuss the Problem of Inadequate Medical Records at the 2007 HIMSS Conference in New Orleans, Windows Media Player for DSL/Cable/T1[11.21 MB]

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