For more than two decades healthcare information technology (HIT) solutions have been available to help improve the nation's healthcare system.  Adoption has fallen far short of the expectations of leading companies offering these solutions.

Finally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) is providing incentives and imperatives for the use of healthcare information technology systems to create patient-centric electronic health records (EHR).

Yet, even with this stimulus funding to help with planning and  implementation, HIT systems developers and provider organizations will continue to face challenges to convince physicians of the true value of these systems from both administrative and patient care perspectives. -- and now, finally, a new key audience -- consumers/patients-- has been identified that must understand and accept HITECH systems if these new technologies are to succeed.

Communications Audits -- a good place to begin

Now is a very good time for a Marketing Communications Audit. The Audit will identify the strengths and weaknesses of your marketing communications strategy and the tactics and tools you are using, as well as marketing communications challenges and opportunities your sales team is likely to encounter in the marketplace in the next five years. 

Fuller Communications has helped numerous businesses and organizations take advantage of the opportunities, and manage the challenges, of growth and success. A Communications Audit by an independent impartial consultant, is a very cost effective place to begin. 

Consumers -- patients now seen as key to EHR acceptance and use

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is planning a comprehensive public education campaign to consumers, patients, and healthcare providers to promote understanding and build approval for Health Information Technology.

The ONC will also conduct a Patient Perceptions survey of EHR, motivated by a concern that  "patients may have negative experiences as practices begin to use EHRs." 

Developers of healthcare information technology solutions now have opportunities -- and challenges-- to help your healthcare provider organization customers to directly educate their customers -- patients and care givers develop effective ways to communicate with their customers.

 Fuller Communications can help your organization plan and develop effective materials that address these needs.

We'd like to help you make the most of this emerging healthcare information technology market with:      

-- Prospect/Customer education materials

-- White papers

-- Publications

-- Website content

-- Marketing communications materials

--Training and support for community relations/patient education providers

Benefits of working with Fuller Communications for your consumer/patient focused HIS strategic marketing communications