NIOSH eNews FLASH
December 2012
NIOSH eNews FLASH
Tis the SeasonÉfor Your Voice to be Heard!
Provide comment on the inclusion of Industry & Occupation in EHR
Undoubtedly, we as workers spend more than half of our waking hours at work. Our health can affect our ability to work safely and productively, and in turn, our jobs can affect our health. Yet information about our work is not routinely captured in our medical records. When industry and occupation (I/O) data are readily available in electronic health records (EHRs), healthcare providers have the critical information to guide the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of health conditions, as well as help prevent recurrence of work-related and non-work-related conditions, thereby improving the health of the working population.
As part of an effort to ensure information collected in electronic health records has meaningful use, NIOSH supports including industry and occupation information as necessary fields in EHR software. Research has shown occupation to be a predictor of health, and including I/O could have significant impact on the overall health and well-being of patients. Currently, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT Policy Committee is requesting public comment on Stage 3 of the Meaningful Use criteria.
Submit a comment today on the Committee's draft recommendation to make patient Industry and Occupation information criteria for a certified electronic health record (you must REFERENCE SGRP 104 in any comment about I/O), and join NIOSH in an effort to improve the Nation's health and the overall well-being of every worker.
EHRs that include a patient's industry and occupation information can improve clinical diagnosis, disease management, and prevention of injuries and illnesses; enable public health agencies to track and prevent causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States; and assist patients and their families in promoting their health and preventing disease.
Submit Comment
The deadline to submit comment is 11:59p.m. January 14, 2013.
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