I have been pleasantly surprised at the consistency and quality of a new (at least new to me) hospital administration and leadership blog: check out Christina's Considerations. I think her blog will grow in importance as RHIOs come to the forefront. I asked her a few questions via email and she was kind enough to offer up her responses.

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Why did you decide to start a blog about healthcare leadership issues?

I had a few reasons for starting my blog after hearing one of the top bloggers in the world (Doc Searls) speak here in Santa Barbara. First, healthcare leadership is what I know and my professional passion. Second, I wanted a vehicle to help educate administrators on topics such as HIT, RHIO/RHINs, Workplace Effectiveness and Healthy Children. I have something to say on these topics, but it doesn't always fit in with the established media's editorial calendar. Lastly, and personally, it is a great tool to help me keep reference information organized!

Why are you particularly interested in RHIOs?

I heard about the Santa Barbara County Care Data Exchange (SBCCDE) when it was first getting started and met Lori Evans. From the first day, I could not wait until my personal health information could be electronically exchanged between my healthcare providers. Then Dr. Brailer contacted me an asked me to help move the SBCCDE from a loose collaboration to a nonprofit corporation. The term RHIOs was later defined when he became the National Health Information Technology Coordinator, and to me refers to those collaboratives with formal organizational structures and systems for authority and accountability. I enjoy building effective healthcare organizations and RHIOs are the new frontier!

I also want to make contributions which will ensure the safety, security, privacy and confidentiality of my private health information.

What are the top 2 or 3 things all hospital CEOs should know about RHIOs?

1. RHIOs are a vehicle for delivering interoperable health information exchange and building the National Health Information Infrastructure.
2. Administrators have a responsibility to their community to participate in developing collaboratives and networks in their area.
3. As the largest organization in most communities, hospitals are at the center of health related activity and in a key position to help drive interoperable health information exchange for improved safety, quality, access and efficiency.

What will it take for our hospitals to be the best run organizations on the face of the planet?

Strong leadership and effective workplaces!
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Also check out a few of my recent favorite postings on the 5 things consumers need to know about personal health records and what healthcare execs need to know about P4P. Thanks Christina! and Happy blogging!

If there are any other hospital administrators and/or ACHE members out there blogging, let me know, we should form a mini-blogosphere.