Technology

Improving communication networks and information technology is central to bolstering coordinated care for older Californians. The ability to send and receive patient records and other information quickly and securely is central to enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients with complex medical and social needs. Technology also has the power to remove barriers limiting collaboration among patients, family caregivers, health care providers, and service agencies.

These core beliefs shape our grantmaking to improve technology:

• Healthcare and social services silos too often prevent exchanges of information critical to improved care. Removing these barriers is essential, but only in ways that protect patient privacy and allow them and their families to feel secure.
• The nation’s information infrastructure, especially in rural America and historically under-resourced areas, is not equipped to achieve a robust and equitable system for exchanging health information for all older adults. Healthcare and social service providers in remote and marginalized communities, as well as older people, need to have easier access to high-speed internet service, access to their own health data, and related training.
• We are keenly interested in making grants for collaborations and partnerships, research and evaluations, and pilot programs that connect health and social services to older adults through health information technologies.

To learn more, see our Call to Partnership: Improving Technology