Health care delivery generates a vast amount of information that can be used to improve health care delivery, support evidence generation through health care research, empower patients, and ultimately result in better health care outcomes. To realize these goals, we need digital health and health informatics tools, methods, and services that can make it easier to collect, access, share, and use this health information. 

Electronic health records, patient portals, and health information exchanges provide platforms and tools for documenting and sharing health information from clinical encounters. New sensor technology is transforming how caregivers monitor patients and how patients monitor themselves. Clinical decision support uses medical knowledge and specific patient information to help clinicians and patients make the best decisions possible. Advancements in data infrastructure for these tools will allow for data to be more easily shared between providers to integrate and improve care. Finally, advanced scanning and software tools will enable the digitization of records to facilitate clinical and research activities.  

NORC partners with state, federal, and private partners to support and evaluate the development of new informatics technologies, digital health tools, and programs to support their advancement. NORC has lent expertise in facilitating strategic planning, conducting program evaluations, and providing technical assistance for implementing health informatics and digital health tools. NORC also develops and tests new tools and techniques for collecting, interpreting, and sharing health care data that prioritize patient involvement and protect patient privacy.