http://2cccd5dfe1965e26adf6-26c50ce30a6867b5a67335a93e186605.r53.cf1.rackcdn.com/QIT Wrap_Emily Farah_SOC.mp3
A ceremonial ribbon cutting today marked the official opening of a new facility, funded by the public and private sectors, intended to meet a demand for greater technology training for healthcare professionals.
The Quality Improvement Meets Information Technology Training (QIT) Center in downtown Pittsburgh is a joint project of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF), Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, and Health Careers Futures. The funding for the facility comes from a grant awarded by the Allegheny County Community Infrastructure and Community Fund, and JHF matched it.
President and CEO of the JHF Karen Feinstein said the space is sleek and high-tech looking, which goes hand-in-hand with the theme of the training that is planned to occur in the facility. She said, educators previously had to “make due” in other locations without the proper tools.
“Now, this is pretty exciting, we had a chance to have modular furniture, state of the art audio/visuals, seating, lighting, and it’s on the top floor of our building which is the roof garden,” Feinstein said.
Feinstein said there’s a need for information technology training in the healthcare field, but the issue was in providing an area that would facilitate it. Additionally, Feinstein said the trainers and coaches needed the tools to do their best work. The QIT Center is a way to consolidate the trainers and the trainees’ needs.
“Healthcare systems are made up of people. People deliver healthcare,” Feinstein said. “They can be their best when they know how to use the technology and data available to them to provide the best possible patient outcomes.”
The foundation does not award degrees, but continuing education credits for health professionals are provided, and customizable training programs can also be arranged. Feinstein said QIT has already held training sessions, and has additional training programs planned for the future already.
