–OZ Systems, a leading provider of public health information systems and interoperable exchange, recently partnered with North Dakota’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program as part of an invitation-only EHDI Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) pilot project. The first of its kind pilot is supported by the Public Health Data Standards Consortium and focuses on CDA as a standardized format for transmitting health information so that both sender and receiver can clearly understand the nature and contents of the communication.

The pilot project was initially built around North Dakota’s public health information system, which uses OZ Systems’ EHDI information system. The system electronically captures newborn demographic and hearing screening data and generates an Early Hearing Care Plan (EHCP) that can be transmitted immediately – with the push of a button – to Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota and Trinity Health in Minot, North Dakota.

“This pilot project,” says Dr. Terese Finitzo, CEO of OZ Systems, “begins to narrow the divide between health information systems and the efficient exchange of health data from medical professionals to families. The Early Hearing Care Plan is a resource for consistent communication, in essence promoting continuity of care and leading to better hearing health care outcomes.” 

The goal of the pilot project was to provide a simple and standardized format for exchange in support of improved care and outcomes, streamlined workflow and efficiency. The pilot was designed to successfully generate, and then transmit, a care plan containing information about the hearing health of a newborn – from the hospital to the North Dakota EHDI program, then on to a specialist, medical home or primary care provider.

Before the care plan is generated and transmitted, hospital staff are able to review and complete needed information – which includes demographics on the baby, parent contact information, risk factors, hearing screening results and next care steps for the child. The final care plan is in a very readable, clear, consistent and standardized format, that also meets important interoperability and meaningful use criteria. 

About OZ Systems

By developing and implementing the world’s smartest information technology platforms, OZ Systems bridges the information gap and helps children and families thrive through improved data accountability, performance measurement, quality, certification, and electronic reporting for public health and early childhood education.