Information technology holds great promise for enabling quality and process improve-ment in health care. Successful implementation of technology in the tumultuous "real world" of the California health care system however, is not without its challenges. The second annual CHCF/UC health care technology conference focuses on the challenges of selecting, financing and successfully implementing technology applications in health care to help enable quality improvement initiatives.

This year's conference features case studies which highlight the experiences of a diverse group of California health care organizations, from mid-sized physician groups and com-munity clinics to commercial health plans and the Veterans Administration. The sessions will provide a unique opportunity for health care professionals to learn about several major health care technology initiatives in California and to interact with and gain insights from the experiences of their peers across the state.

• Discuss the implications of the Internet and new technology for the improvement of the delivery and quality of health services in California
• Describe recent initiatives and innovations in Internet-based clinical and operational systems in health care
• Analyze the implications of the law and regulation regarding healthcare privacy and security on the applicability of Internet-based and new technology solutions in health care
• Report on recent developments in healthcare consumerism and the traditional physician-patient relationship and assess how these trends may evolve as healthcare technology changes
• Relate shared visions for the future of California health care as that future is influenced by scientific and technological change