The Indian Health Service is approaching a significant milestone: the deployment of the new PATH electronic health record (EHR) at the Lawton Service Unit in Lawton, Okla. This modernization effort reflects our core commitment to design, build, and implement solutions alongside our clinical and operational partners at every step. As we transition, our top priority is to deliver robust, on-the-ground support so no team member navigates this change alone. Transparent collaboration, active listening, and dedicated support build true operational readiness.
Preparing for go-live requires balancing rigorous technical readiness with the daily demands of clinical operations. Throughout this transition, the Lawton team has demonstrated steady leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. By thoroughly analyzing workflows and refining clinical processes, the team has built a cohesive “one team” culture dedicated to the patients and families we serve.
Alongside technical validation, the Lawton team has focused on what matters most: frontline readiness. Before seeing their first patient in the new EHR, providers took part in dedicated, hands-on personalization during interactive Favorites Fairs. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with clinical informatics specialists and peer Super Users, clinicians preconfigured documentation templates, organized daily workflow views, and built routine order sets. Tailoring the system in advance reduces screen time and documentation clicks so the technology supports — rather than slows — exceptional patient care.
Reaching this milestone at our first clinical site reflects the hard work and commitment of the Lawton Service Unit. On behalf of leadership, I want to express our profound appreciation for the diligence our clinical, technical, and administrative teams have shown. Implementing a modern health IT platform is a foundational change, and Lawton’s work is building the blueprint for future deployments across Indian Country. Thank you for your continued dedication to our patients and to the enduring mission of IHS.
Stay Connected with the Health IT Modernization Program
Health IT Modernization Awareness Survey
We encourage all Tribal and urban Indian organization partners to participate regularly in the Health IT Modernization Program Awareness Survey. Your ongoing feedback tracks progress over time by measuring awareness, interest in initiatives, and communication effectiveness. These insights provide IHS with essential visibility into our engagement across Indian Country, helping us continually improve communication and support throughout PATH EHR implementation.
Connect with us!
- Visit the website for more information about the IHS Health IT Modernization Program
- Visit the events page on the IHS website for details on upcoming engagements
- Sign up to receive the Bi-Weekly IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
- Sign up to receive Health IT Modernization Program email updates through the listserv
- Read IHS Blog posts on the Modernization Program
- Follow IHS on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X to stay up to date on events, collaboration opportunities, and general program updates
