CHiR data partners meet for fall meeting

Thirty-two Arizona Health Query (AZHQ) data partners working with the Center for Health Information and Research (CHIR) attended CHIR’s fall meeting held on September 8, 2008. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss important research developments made since the spring 2008 meeting.

Data partners exchanged research techniques and ideas about their research within AZHQ. Dr. Barbara Wilson, assistant professor of College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, presented analysis of the on the most recent birth outcomes data. Wade Bannister, associate director of Informatics with CHIR, presented on the developments of the children’s health project studying the link between air pollution and asthma in central Phoenix. Director of CHIR, Bill Johnson, led the discussion on the use of electronic medical records and physicians’ attitudes toward a health information exchange.

Other presentation topics were on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus commonly known as MRSA, better quality information and emergency dental. In all, seven presentations were presented during the 1.5-hour meeting. Adda Alexander, Executive Vice President of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, said, “Learning about the study that will be happening with CHIR and Banner Health on MRSA surveillance since MRSA prevention is a key initiative at AZHQ. The results will be very helpful to all AZHQ members.” The next development meeting will take place in spring 2009.