Want to learn more about Health Information Technology?

January 8, 2015

Maureen Fitzgerald
ATTC Network Coordinating Office/NIATx


When Dr. Esra Alagoz was helping to develop SAMHSA's BHBusiness Plus course Planning for the Next Generation of HIT, she made sure that it included digital games and simulations.

“Our goal was to create an interactive course that keeps learners engaged and motivated,” she says.

Dr. Alagoz, Assistant Scientist at NIATx, specializes in educational technology. She teamed up with Amy McIlvaine, NIATx Educational Services Director, to create "Planning for the Next Generation of HIT."

Games and health information technology may seem like an unlikely combination--but games are already appearing in health information and will have an even bigger presence in the next "generation."

And there's a growing research base for games in health. The digital game SuperBetter, created by game developer Jane McGonigal, has proven effective at relieving depression in a randomized controlled trial.


Complete a module in 20 minutes or less

"Planning for the Next Generation of Health IT" is offered as a  self-paced course that consists of six modules that you can complete in less than 20 minutes each. The course is also available as part of a coach-led BHBusiness Learning Network.

“The shorter-length modules are designed to accommodate busy schedules and also help to break the information into easily digestible portions,” explains Dr. Alagoz.

Another goal of the course is to help learners gain a new perspective on health information technology.

“Technology is changing so rapidly that keeping up with it can be seen as a burden,” says Dr. Alagoz. “Our hope with this course is to help people gain a new perspective – that learning about HIT is worth the effort because of its great potential in health care.”

Find out if you’re ready for HIT with an online assessment

The first modules in the course give an overview of the health information technology currently in use. The following modules focus on implementation. The course also includes an assessment survey to help determine an agency’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of HIT readiness. Finally, the course explores options for managing change and financing in your organizations.

“Adopting HIT may seem like an accessory today, but keep in mind that it is quickly becoming essential to an organization’s success and growth,” comments Dr. Alagoz.

You can sign up for the online course any time, or apply to join a Next Generation of HIT Learning Network by January 15, 2016.

What topics would you like to read about in the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement blog in 2016?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below!



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