Data Storyteller

This practical guide features key tools and principles to help health centers (HCs) develop safe documentation for intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and exploitation (IPV/HT/E) in their electronic health records (EHRs) and other technology tools.  In 2020, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) introduced new Uniform Data System (UDS) data elements for health centers (HCs) to report on IPV and HT/E. With the evolving landscape of data use in medical settings, it is imperative that HC staff understand privacy principles and implement best practices to protect confidentiality for survivors of IPV/HT/E. This resource features guidelines on documenting IPV/HT/E in the EHR using a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach. The guide also features tools that FUTURES has developed alongside health IT platforms, namely for eClinicalWorks and OCHIN Epic, to aid HCs in using the evidence-based CUES intervention that focuses on universal education approaches on IPV/HT/E. This guide is available as a PDF (4 pages) in English.

In this session, presenters shared guidance on supporting timely social needs referrals and care planning, and how to apply social needs data. Participants learned how to optimize social needs screening workflows to follow up on positive screens. A panel of health center staff shared their experiences on applying these workflows.

Collecting sensitive patient information, including data related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), is a critical part of operations for many health centers, especially FQHCs. Though required by many funding and reporting systems, for example, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Services, integrating how to capture these data in respectful and consistent ways may be a challenge. Based on  experience from an FQHC in Washington, DC with special expertise in LGBTQ+ and HIV Care, the process of training staff and implementing SOGI data-related workflows will be described, including subsequent measurement and Quality Improvement initiatives. Details include examples of registration forms, staff training materials, EMR workflows, and patient-facing resources. The importance of creating affirming spaces to help support effective medical care was also discussed.