Projects

Telehealth and Telemedicine

As defined by the American Telemedicine Association, "telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health status. Closely associated with telemedicine is the term 'telehealth,' which is often used to encompass a broader definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services. Videoconferencing, transmission of still images, e-health including patient portals, remote monitoring of vital signs, continuing medical education and nursing call centers are all considered part of telemedicine and telehealth."

The CRHRE is involved with a number of projects in the state and region related to telehealth and telemedicine.  For more information, visit our Telehealth and Telemedicine page.

Health Information Technology

Health information technology, or HIT, is a comprehensive term describing the use of information and computer technology in health care.  In addition to telehealth and telemedicine, topics such as electronic health records, health information exchanges, computerized disease tracking and mapping, and public health database research are part of HIT.  HIT is increasingly being seen as a way to improve the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of health care.

There are several HIT projects with which the CRHRE is or has been a participant.  For more information, visit our Health Information Technology page.

Rural Health Care

The National Rural Health Association states, "the obstacles faced by health care providers and patients in rural areas are vastly different than those in urban areas. Rural Americans face a unique combination of factors that create disparities in health care not found in urban areas. Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational shortcomings, lack of recognition by legislators and the sheer isolation of living in remote rural areas all conspire to impede rural Americans in their struggle to lead a normal, healthy life."  Due to its low population and large size, Wyoming is considered a rural (and even frontier) state in which access to health care for many residents is a significant problem.

As part of our mission, the CRHRE works in a number of ways to help address the disparities in health care for Wyoming's people.  For more information, visit our Rural Health Care page.

Privacy and Security

One of the most-cited concerns over the development of computing and communication technology for health care relates to the security and privacy of electronic health information.  Many people, both patients and practitioners, are reluctant to support HIT efforts because they fear that the technology is too susceptible to unauthorized or inappropriate uses.  While there is some basis for these concerns, much can be done to ensure the protection of health information when stored or transmitted electronically.  Education about HIT can also help reduce the fear of the "unknown" that comes with new technology.

At the CRHRE, we have worked in both research and education to address these concerns.  For more information, visit our Privacy and Security page.

For other sources of information on these topics, visit our "Resources" page.