The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to prioritize engagement and alignment with Tribal and urban Indian organizations through Tribal consultation and urban confer sessions. During the session on March 5, program leaders highlighted ongoing progress toward the modern, patient-centered electronic health record (EHR) solution designed to enhance interoperability and functionality across the Indian health system. Participants also received an update on Patients at the Heart (PATH) EHR activities.
Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Howard Hays opened the session with a program overview and shared recent updates. He emphasized continued collaboration through the Enterprise Collaboration Group and efforts to design and refine PATH EHR. Hays also showcased the latest modernization video featuring PATH EHR and the ECG.
Keith Martinez, external oversight manager within the Division of Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations (DHITMO), provided a pilot site update. He highlighted progress at Lawton Service Unit, where the PATH team has worked closely with local leadership and staff on site assessments, system design, and end-user engagement. As the site prepares for go-live, readiness and training activities are ramping up. Feedback from the Lawton Service Unit continues to play a critical role in identifying challenges and improving implementation processes for future sites.
DHITMO Deputy Director Clarence Smiley and Hays led a modernization-focused segment. They described how PATH EHR is being developed collaboratively with experts and outlined its potential to streamline daily workflows. Key impacts of PATH EHR include enhancing medication safety, improving care coordination, and expanding patient access and communication. Hays also reviewed the end-user learning approach that includes e-learning modules, instructor-led sessions, hands-on practice, and reinforcement training. Smiley shared key takeaways from recent focus groups, including issues with site readiness, data reporting challenges, and patient portal utilization.
The session concluded with open dialogue facilitated by Emily Emen, DHITMO organizational change management communications lead. Tribal and urban Indian organization representatives engaged directly with program leadership, asking questions and participating in meaningful discussions about PATH EHR development, deployment, and capabilities.
IHS appreciates the continued partnership with Tribes and urban Indian organizations and remains committed to providing regular updates and opportunities for meaningful engagement throughout the PATH EHR journey.
Stay Connected with the Health IT Modernization Program
|
|
|
|
|
Register for 2026 Tribal Consultation/Urban Confer Sessions We are committed to connecting and collaborating with partners through informative sessions and open forums. Register now using the link below for the remaining modernization session this year: |
|
|
Health IT Modernization Awareness Survey The Health IT Modernization Program Awareness Survey is designed to assess Tribal and urban Indian organization members’ interest in actively participating in Program initiatives, evaluate awareness and perceptions of PATH EHR, and measure the effectiveness of Program communications. Your input provides IHS with valuable insight into the reach of our engagement efforts across the Indian health system and helps us improve how information about PATH EHR implementation is shared. |
|
|
Connect with us!
|
