Local health department adoption of electronic health records and health information exchanges and its impact on population health

Objective: To determine the impact in the adoption of electronic health records and health information exchanges by local health departments on population health. Methods: The study analyzed 433 local health departments population-based data across 433 counties in the United States. Controlling for high school graduation rate, percentage of adults with some post- secondary education, race, median household income, percentage rural, population size served, governance structure of local health departments and revenue, the study used multiple linear regression to analyze the impact in the adoption of health information technology by local health departments on the population health of a county. Results: Electronic health records adoption was statistically significant at improving population health at the county level. Health information exchange adoption was not statistically significant. Conclusion: When local health departments adopt electronic health records, it improves health- related quality of life and reduces years of potential life lost. Policy implications: The value derived from the adoption of electronic health records by local health departments deserves attention because of its abilities to enhance the services provided at local health departments. It is important for local health departments to use health information technology to electronically capture patient information to improve upon the services received at community health centers.