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PHMC continues its effort to create and implement new tech solutions to improve service results

[Philadelphia, PA] – April 17, 2015 – Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, has launched three new digital tools in conjunction with Philly Tech Week, April 17-24. The tools include a customized health record for the homeless; a mobile app that addresses the needs of case workers in the field; and an internal training module for new employees. In addition, PHMC will host Philly Tech Week’s ‘Dev Day’ on April 23 at its new state-of-the-art Conference Center at its headquarters at Centre Square, 1500 Market Street.

PHMC is passionate about using cutting edge technologies to improve public health in the communities it serves, and delivering flexible, intuitive products to the front-line individuals providing services. To elevate this strategy, PHMC named Michael McCain as its first Chief Information Officer last year. McCain works to build on PHMC’s legacy work and develop new, modern technologies for PHMC’s family of programs and affiliates, including technical assistance to external organizations, so the organization can better promote and provide care to more than 300,000 people annually.

"Designing and developing cost effective and customizable technology solutions that address PHMC’s needs is critical in today’s increasingly complex public health environment," said Mike McCain. “Our ability to deploy these tools enables us to foster healthier communities through better external health monitoring, education and training.”

About the Tools:

PHMC’s Homeless Health Record was created for PHMC’s Healthcare for the Homeless Program, which provides health care, social services and behavioral health care to Philadelphia’s homeless population. The health record, web-based and available via a mobile application for providers, takes the place of paper health records and is being used by PHMC community health nurses for immunizations, family planning, and medical and behavioral health services to homeless individuals at several facilities throughout the city. At this time more than 700 patient immunization records have been created via the health record. These records provide community health nurses with a web-based platform on a mobile device that allows them to see critical health information for this transient population, regardless of their physical location. This approach provides continuity of care as homeless individuals move through the shelter system.

The PHMC Locator App is a PHMC-developed native application for mobile devices that addresses the needs of PHMC’s field caseworkers who travel across Philadelphia visiting families at their homes. The key safety feature of the application is the ability to send an automated text message to emergency contacts and alert 911 if the case worker feels in danger. In addition, the application automatically records their location, which allows them to easily document their visits, track mileage and optionally take a picture of the visit site. PHMC Locator not only offers employees security, but also helps the organization ensure compliance on services offered and aids in efficiency of case distribution and staff assignments.

The PHMC University Employee e-onboarding Module is an online education program that gives new employees the opportunity to learn about the history, vision and mission of PHMC, the available benefits packages, policies and procedures. Upon completion of the module, the new employee has all the information and forms needed to be able to provide the completed paperwork on their first day at PHMC.

In addition to the new technologies, PHMC’s affiliate Metropolitan Career Center’s Computer Technology Institute (CTI) also aligns with PHMC’s technology focus. CTI offers accredited associate degrees in Web Design, Software (with business classes), Computer Support Specialist, as well as diplomas in Health Information Technology, to individuals with limited resources. In turn, CTI students are provided with hands-on education, training and tools to prepare them for the Information Technology field.

PHMC has had a long-standing commitment to improving the public health of its communities through innovative technology solutions. PHMC was a leader in deploying Electronic Health Records to community and nurse-managed health centers more than a decade ago. In addition, through a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, PHMC continues to play a critical role via its Health Center Controlled Network in offering technical assistance in Pennsylvania and throughout the country for community health centers to implement and effectively use Electronic Health Records under the Affordable Care Act.

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