ALABAMA CLINICAL INFORMATICS GROUP 
Initial Meeting Summary
June 11, 2004

This initial meeting was informal and its purpose was to determine if there is enough interest in our community in developing a state wide clinical informatics group. This document summarizes discussions and next steps.


1. Introduction, Overview and Goals Discussion:    		 		
The group discussed the reasons for establishing an Alabama Clinical Informatics Group and submitted the following draft statement as to purpose and possible goals:

Purpose of this Group:
Promoting Technology for the Enhancement of Patient Care

Potential Goals:  
* Provide a Forum for Educational Opportunities
* Provide an Opportunity to Share Information
* Provide an Opportunity for Networking with Colleagues and Counter Parts 
		

2. Education Opportunities and Topics of Interest:	
The group listed the following areas of interest and topics for educational activities:
			
> Implementation Strategies
> Strategic Planning for IT (including gap analysis)
> Support of clinical systems before and after live
> Case Studies
> Project Management
> Group Discussions
> Gaps between the Workflow of care givers and the selected implemented systems
> Sharing of Job Descriptions within IT and Nursing Informatics
> Staffing and Ownership of Systems
> Buy in from Clinicians (Nurse, Physicians, Ancillary Staff)
> Standardization of Content 
> Hot Topics (CPOE, Wireless Mobile Devices)

In addition, a recommendation was made to form a CEU/Educational Committee regardless of what organizational direction the group takes.  Volunteers were accepted and their names are on the attached Excel spreadsheet with member information on those that attended this initial meeting. This list will serve as our contact information until more formal decisions are made.


3. Potential Chapter Affiliation Options: 
		
The below possibilities were presented as well as summary handouts distributed that highlight the requirements for each affiliation. 

> HIMSS (Reviewed by Becky Campbell) 							
> ANIA	(Reviewed by Becky Favor)								
> ALAHA	(Reviewed by  Amy Yates)								
> (CARING Model) (Reviewed by Becky Favor) 	

In order for members to review the material and allow for follow up questions, we decided that this decision would be made at the next meeting. It was also decided at that time to narrow the options down to affiliation with either the Alabama Chapter of HIMSS as a Sub Committee of that group or an independent group and affiliate with the Alabama Hospital Association.   

These two options will be put to a formal vote at the July 16, 2004 meeting. A preliminary vote was taken and the group was leaning toward ALAHA. If there are any questions about these groups, prior to the July meeting, please call Nancy Campbell, Becky Favor, or Amy Yates.

4. Membership & Meeting Frequency :	 				
A discussion was held as to membership and the group made a tentative decision to open membership to all clinicians.  Suggested meeting times submitted thus far are monthly or quarterly. 

5. Next Steps:
This initial meeting was to explore options and interest in forming an organized group and determine direction. The following next steps were outlined: 

1. Second Meeting scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2004 at Samford University, Center for the Healing Arts, Room 111 at 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. In addition to an administrative meeting and further planning session, a one hour educational presentation was planned. 
2. At this meeting the membership will hold a vote to determine final chapter affiliation status. Once this decision is made, a formal structure can be framed, officers can be elected, goals and organizational name can be finalized. 
3. Eastern Health Systems and UAB will provide the educational presentations at the next meeting. These presentations will follow the administrative/planning session and the  presenters will review IT Strategy /Implementations at these Birmingham facilities.