ACE 09: Telling Transcription's Tale
The story at ACE today is all about...well, THE story. More specifically, how to show the value of narrative text so transcription can stay relevant in the switch to EHRs. But the "story" theme went beyond the record; in fact, it can represent several facets in the future of transcription.
The first mention of the "story" related to the Health Story Project and how it can help MTs carve out a niche in the move to EHRs. At an early morning session, Dr. Nick van Terheyden outlined the Health Story's efforts to educate physicians, executives and lawmakers about the value of narrative text. The Health Story develops standards that enable the sharing of dictated text, so such valuable information isn't cast aside. The problem with discrete, codified data currently used in EHRs, Dr. van Terheyden said, is that it doesn't capture the specific details or context that a physician needs to make the right decisions about a patient's health. Structured headings and sections of text, however, can achieve that goal.
During his keynote speech, Bruce Mast applauded the Health Story Project for it's efforts. Instead of being reactive, the Health Story is taking proactive steps to ensure transcription has a place at the table, Mast said. Discrete data can be extrapolated from narrative text, he noted, but the narrative can't be extrapolated from discrete data, and that contextual information is critical to patient care. Mast urged MTs to get involved and prove that they are part of the solution to the lack of coordination that has plagued health care.
The second type of "story" addressed in this morning's presentations related to MTs' personal stories. To show their value, MTs must share their experiences and explain the horrors that can occur when narrative text is left off the record. Dr. van Terheyden invited MTs to e-mail their stories, which he would share on his blog. By spreading the word about what can happen if providers depend solely on the EHR and discrete data to fulfill their information and decision-making needs.
At the industry panel update, an audience member shared her efforts to share the MTs story via social media outlets, including iVillage and comments on relevant New York Times articles. "What you need to do is figure out a way to get on Oprah," Mast joked, adding that audiences would "eat up" the emotional undertones of dealing with patients' health.
The final "story" shared this morning was the continuing tale of AHDI's efforts to garner more visibility and credibility on Capitol Hill. Industry panel members Linda Yaniszewski, MTIA president; Dr. Peter Preziosi, AHDI CEO; and Susan Lucci, RHIT, CMT, AHDI-F, AHDI president applauded the accomplishments MTIA and AHDI have achieved by working together over the past 2 years. They noted several white papers and best practices that have been published, and Dr. Preziosi celebrated the organizations' "larger and louder" voice in government. The collaboration also pooled resources, which allowed the hiring of a lobbying firm to ensure MTs and MTSOs continue to be a part of conversations about health care.
But AHDI's story doesn't end there. At the close of the industry panel update, Lea Sims, CMT, AHDI-F, director of communications for AHDI, announced the launch of a new initiative. The Power of 10 Campaign aims to raise $100,000 by the end of 2010 by collecting $10 donations from 10,000 MTs. It's an ambitious effort, Sims admitted, especially given the fact that AHDI membership is less than 10,000. But that's more incentive for members to spread the word and get non-members involved in the cause. The funds will go exclusively toward continued lobbying efforts, Sims said, so it's another way to make sure the transcription's story--and value--is heard.
Well, I'm off to the exhibit hall for a few final swoops, then sitting in on a session titled "Clinical Documentation Through the Eyes of a Patient" before heading to the airport. It's been a great conference, and I encourage attendees to share their stories in the comments section below!