For over two years now, Oklahoma’s FQHCs have been engaged in increasing the use of electronic record systems -- moving through technology improvement stages, increasing education/technical assistance (TA) and taking steps toward the meaningful use of health information technology (HIT).  Use of electronic records is expected to increase readily available clinical information and improved quality of care through more efficient care and decision support.  While it may be too early for Oklahoma FQHCs to securely declare such results, some changes are notable during this first full-year of HIT and related TA (2009-2010): Oklahoma FQHCs experienced an 18% increase in patients served-- growth from 118,810 to 131,649; IT FTEs at the Centers increased by 44%; and clinical outcome measures changed from 3-6 percentage points in the desired directions.

The hopes and strategies involved in increased use of EHRs included reducing health disparities in underserved populations –including vast rural areas with health professional shortages like Oklahoma has.  Some earlier thoughts and expectations for the use of electronic health records are found here.