Representatives from six West Virginia medical clinics were the first external group to utilize the NTTC's new Demonstration and Training Lab when they took part in a software demonstration of HEALTHeWV, a web-based, chronic disease management program that is geared toward improving health care in medically underserved, rural communities.

In an effort to offer more details about the pilot program, the NTTC — in collaboration with its HEALTHeWV program partners, the U.S. Air Force and Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine — discussed how HEALTHeWV's electronic medical record-keeping and electronic notes/surveys capabilities, can dramatically improve outcomes for chronically ill patients and enhance the day-to-day business operations of rural clinics.

"With the expertise of our partners from the U.S. Air Force in developing the core software, Marshall University in serving as a clinical expert, the guidance of Senator Byrd's staff in providing the federal funding for this project, and now the help and input of our pilot clinic sites, we have all the key players in place to grow this program in West Virginia and allow the NTTC to successfully transfer the technology to our rural communities," says J. Davitt McAteer, vice president for Sponsored Programs at Wheeling Jesuit University.

HEALTHeWV was adapted from the U.S. Army's award-winning HEALTHeFORCES program. Work first began on HEALTHeWV in 2003 when Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) saw an opportunity to apply the successful aspects of the military's robust HEALTHeFORCES software to improving health care in rural areas of the nation. The NTTC was chosen to lead the project and oversee the program's expansion throughout West Virginia and the nation.

NTTC Health Technology Programs Director and HEALTHeWV Program Director Dr. Mazharullah Shaik hosted the HEALTHeWV Technology Showcase program to provide interested pilot clinic participants with a software demonstration and first-hand look at the NTTC's secure data-hosting facility.

"We're here to help get this program going," says Wheeling Jesuit University President Fr. Joseph Hacala, S.J. "We have a very talented staff at the NTTC and excellent program leadership under Davitt McAteer, as well as excellent partners in the U.S. Air Force on the technical side and Marshall University on the clinical side. We're truly excited about HEALTHeWV and the positive impact it will have on our state."