Resources substance abuse and behavioral health software implementation

The leading software providers for addiction services and behavioral health formed a trade association called the Software and Technology Vendors Association.  I have been a part of SATVA for a number of years and have seen the organization create some major impact on the automation of health records within substance abuse and mental health programs across the United States. SATVA has developed resources to assist organizations from the selection to the successful implementation of software systems. The interesting part of the papers and presentations is that they serve the market directly and the sale of software indirectly. The collaborative body known as SATVA realize the extreme challenges that face us-vendor and non-profit- with the automation of electronic health records. Therefore the association continues to develop projects and presentations targeted at the education of our markets as to what we can do together that can’t be done alone.

Our last meeting was held in Boston, coinciding with the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and as usual all the membership discussed current market trends and ways that SATVA can or should assist with the major aspects of automating health records. I realized that the professionals all around the room are very committed and learned on all aspects that impact health and human services world. Topics ranged a large continuum from meetings with legislators to social workers attempting to deliver care in rural settings. I am a social worker by education and training but realized how extensive the body of knowledge contained among the vendors that serve my former profession. The members all were aligned with ways to assist, further and support automation; of course this is a secondary gain for our businesses but believe me the impetus for these discussions are also synergistic with those of providers. I mention this as I believe the combined learning of the vendor community coupled with the provider community will be required to conquer such issues as interoperability, standardized data elements and national health records.

I encourage you to visit SATVA’s website and explore the educational tools provided as well as the ones we provide here at Sequest. Remember the process of developing software would be easy if it only had to work in my house—its in the implementation in your house and under your rules that the challenges unfold. It requires a partnership with your vendor-be it Sequest or whomever.

Bill Connors, MSW