How can you use HIT to support preventive care?

1 Use electronic health records (EHRs)

EHRs are digital versions of patients' medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and other relevant information. EHRs can help you provide preventive care by enabling you to track and monitor your patients' health status, identify gaps in care, and generate reminders and alerts for preventive interventions. For example, you can use EHRs to screen your patients for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and provide them with personalized education and counseling. You can also use EHRs to schedule and send reminders for preventive visits, such as immunizations, mammograms, or colonoscopies.

2 Use patient portals and mobile apps

Patient portals and mobile apps are online platforms that allow patients to access their health information, communicate with their providers, and manage their care. Patient portals and mobile apps can help you support preventive care by engaging your patients in their own health and wellness, and providing them with tools and resources to improve their behaviors and outcomes. For example, you can use patient portals and mobile apps to educate your patients about preventive care guidelines, such as the recommended frequency and age range for screenings and tests. You can also use patient portals and mobile apps to motivate your patients to adopt healthy habits, such as quitting smoking, exercising, or eating well, by sending them tips, feedback, and rewards.

4 Use clinical decision support (CDS) systems

CDS systems are software applications that provide clinicians with relevant and timely information, suggestions, or alerts to aid their decision making and improve their quality of care. CDS systems can help you deliver preventive care by enhancing your clinical knowledge and performance, and reducing errors and variability in your practice. For example, you can use CDS systems to access evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for preventive care, such as the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can also use CDS systems to check for drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications before prescribing or administering preventive medications or vaccines.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?