HIMSS Oregon Advocacy at the Archimedes Movement Conference

Last Friday I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the Archimedes Movement's yearly conference. The Archimedes Movement was founded by doctor, former governor, and 2010 gubernatorial candidate, John Kitzhaber (in picture above). The Archimedes Movement has the stated purpose:

to create a new space for civic engagement outside of our traditional legislative and governance structures so that we can work on solutions to the common problems we face

The theme of the event was "Putting the HEALTH back in health reform" and featured a number of speakers and panels throughout the day. The first keynote was delivered by Kitzhaber himself who, citing the difficulties of pushing health reform as opposed to insurance reform through Congress, believed that states and regions will have to be the centers of innovation. Innovation and transformation of the health system is necessary because the current systems of health care are outdated; fundamental changes are required to make a health system for the 21st century. I briefly spoke with Kitzhaber after the event and noted that HIMSS Oregon is dedicated to making that transformation through the use of new technologies and informatics.

The second keynote was delivered by Dr. Bruce Goldberg (picture above), chair of the newly formed Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Dr. Goldberg noted that many health indicators show that Oregon's patient population is average to less then average when compared to other states. HIT is one component for instituting change not only in how physicians practice but how the state accesses and utilizes quality measure data.

Panel (seated left to right): Sen. Monnes-Anderson, Rep. Thompson, Rep. Smith, Rep. Bruun

Much of the talk throughout the conference was the need to "transform" the current system in order to gain cost efficiencies and quality improvements. My discussions with Representatives Jefferson Smith (D), Scott Bruun (R), and Jim Thompson (R) confirmed that HIT is an area of interest among state legislators and all seemed glad that HIMSS Oregon was reaching out to them and offer its resources and help. In addition, conversations with folks from the Archimedes IT committee chair, Bill Andrews, and Executive Director, Liz Baxter, revealed common interest in how HIT can support transformation of health care in Oregon and beyond. Stay tuned for possible future efforts that seek to partner with the Archimedes Movement to engender transformation of health care through HIT!