Why was ONCHIT established?

ONCHIT, or the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, was established primarily to drive the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) across the United States. The goal of enabling all Americans to use EHR by 2014 reflects a significant initiative to enhance healthcare technology, ensuring that patients' health information could be easily accessed and shared among healthcare providers. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare through the use of health information technology.

The establishment of ONCHIT was crucial in creating the framework and providing the necessary support for healthcare organizations and providers to implement these technologies effectively. By focusing on this goal, ONCHIT aimed to close the existing gaps in healthcare information systems, leading to better coordination of care, reduced errors, and improved overall health outcomes. The initiative not only emphasized the importance of technology in healthcare but also underscored the need for a coordinated effort among various stakeholders in the healthcare system to realize this vision.