The Indian Health Service Health Information Technology Modernization Program continues to focus on strong partnerships and regular communication with the Lawton Service Unit, which includes Lawton Indian Hospital, Anadarko Indian Health Center, and Carnegie Indian Health Center.
Located in the IHS Oklahoma City Area, the Lawton Service Unit has been selected as the pilot site for implementing the new IHS enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution, PATH EHR. PATH stands for "Patients at the Heart," demonstrating our dedication to assisting individuals on their journey to healing, promoting empowerment, and advancing health and wellness in line with nature and community values.
The pilot site implementation will allow the Health IT Modernization Program team to identify and address any issues, refine the solution, and gather feedback to improve future deployment efforts. Pilot site implementation will require a substantial degree of hands-on management by the program and will be supported by the Enterprise Collaboration Group, a user-focused body that will inform the clinical and administrative configuration of the new PATH EHR.
As the pilot site for PATH EHR, the Lawton Service Unit will analyze PATH EHR for functionality, usability, and performance in an IHS-centered environment. The program is committed to designing a system that delivers the best possible EHR experience and supports high-quality health care through sustainable, modern, and easy-to-use tools. This modernization aims to minimize system disruptions and streamline access to patient data across facilities, giving patients greater control over their care and providing clinicians with a complete view of each patient’s health.
The initial roll-out of PATH EHR requires significant hands-on coordination and support from the Modernization Program and the Lawton Service Unit, whose time, effort, and collaboration have been essential. The program team has led several trainings and workshops to prepare the service unit for deployment:
Change Leadership Training provided site leaders with the tools they need to address resistance to change, improve staff engagement, and maintain productivity. The two-day session held in September engaged leaders in brainstorming sessions and group conversations that encouraged collaboration and reflection.
Change advocates at Lawton Service Unit support PATH EHR adoption by serving as a resource, supporting colleagues, and promoting engagement. During orientation held on September 17–18, the PATH Team introduced change advocates to their roles, program timelines, and expectations. During the first monthly meeting convened on October 20, the PATH team provided a glossary of PATH EHR terms and phrases, completed the Pulse Survey, received department assignments, and discussed next steps. The PATH team continues to meet regularly with change advocates to share updates and collaborate on implementation efforts.
During the Pre-Workshop Design Event (PWDE) held on September 22–26, the team began preparations to connect enterprise standards with specific needs at the service unit. Site participants previewed the future state of PATH EHR based on enterprise design discussions. This event served as a key step in preparation for implementing PATH EHR and helped the team determine how it will function in the Lawton Service Unit and future sites.
Site Workshop 1 introduced key workflows from the Enterprise Design Workshops and gathered feedback from the service unit. The October 20–24 workshop built off data from the September PWDE and outlined the next steps for data collection. This process will adapt enterprise solutions to Lawton’s needs and ensures local standards and practices align with the enterprise design.
The PATH Team will continue working closely with the Lawton Service Unit to host workshops and trainings that equip them for implementation.
Stay Connected with the Health IT Modernization Program
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Interest We invite tribal and urban Indian organizations to complete a non-binding document to help IHS understand which sites are interested in becoming part of the PATH EHR collaboration. The SOI form may be submitted by email to modernization@ihs.gov at any time. Federal sites are not required to complete the SOI form. |
|
|
Health IT Modernization Awareness Survey The Health IT Modernization Program Awareness Survey intends to determine tribal and urban partners' interest in actively participating in Program initiatives, assess awareness and perception regarding PATH EHR, and measure the effectiveness of the Program's communications. The input you provide through this survey provides the IHS with invaluable insight into the reach of our engagement efforts across Indian Country, helping us enhance the circulation of information about PATH EHR implementation. Take the survey here. |
|
|
Connect with us!
|
