The Healthcare Industry And The Roles Ict Plays As Well As Evaluate The Barriers Faced When Implementing Such Systems

The high cost of healthcare continues to rise and many in the United States are optimistic for health information technology to reduce and improve our current situation. Health IT encompasses a broad array of new technologies designed to manage and share health-related information. When properly implemented, these systems can help coordinate patient care, reduce medical errors, and improve administrative efficiency. Therefore, implementing a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) will help the National Health Information Network (NHIN) achieve their goals in improving quality of care for the citizens of the United States. Thus, in order for the health IT to deliver on its promise, several obstacles must be overcome.

Advances in modern technology surrounds us in our day to day lives, allowing conveniences and efficiency at our fingertips. Great strides have been made over the years with technology, and the healthcare industry along with many other industries have adopted this new way of functioning; electronically. The effects of technology have come to the forefront in where our government has acknowledged the benefits and opportunities. “The promise of Health Information Technology for improving quality and safety of health care while reducing costs has caught the eye of policy makers and other leaders in health care” (Hersh, 2006). It deeply affects how we connect, interact, and communicate internally and externally, but also gives us a sense of control on how we engage ourselves to the innovative software and systems.

Implementing Health Information System (HIS) in health care is viewed as an effective strategy to deliver safe and integrated patient care. After the introduction of incentive payments to meaningful use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) many health care organizations are actively undergoing the process of HIS implementation or its update to deliver quality care (Boswell, 2011). It is crucial to analyze the factors that will lead to successful implementation of HIS thereby the organizations not only save money but also choose to adopt the technology that is appropriate.

A significant, impactful trend on healthcare organizations (HCOs) is the implementation of technology-based information systems (IS). The systems consist of hardware and software used in gathering and processing data that supports the provision of patient care. There are administrative systems, which have been in place for decades and their usefulness are highly recognized. They track services rendered, billing processes used for third party payers and patients, as well as payroll for employees. Administrative systems are essential for the financial component of a business. More recently, the importance of clinical information systems has moved into the spotlight. They are intended to

The study focused on issues with the Information Communication Technology infrastructure and knowledge of the participants in the study. According to the article, the results of the study revealed that the ICT infrastructure in place was inadequate for e-health implementations due to other pre-existing challenges (Ouma & Herselman 2008). Some of the previous challenges included, lack of computer equipment, lack of computer skills, internet connection, out-dated and unreliable equipment, lack of broadband connection, fear of computers and many more. An overall conclusion of the study revealed that previous mentioned challenges should be addressed in the case of rural hospitals. The plan to meet the challenges was to enforce extensive training for management to educate organizations about e-health implementation.

Clarifying how the emergence of health information technology is changing the health care deliver system has consequently enabled health care providers to study the effects on outcomes, quality, efficiency and performance of providers. Electronic medical records can improve patient outcomes by enhancing providers ability to work efficiently and effectively.

Over the last 5-10 years the healthcare system has begun reformation to increase safety, efficiency, cost reduction, increasing continuum of care, and increases in information technology (IT). There are many influences that are creating this need for change including laws, regulations, and the consumers of the healthcare system. The consumer is beginning to take charge of their health and become an advocate of their healthcare needs and plans of action. This transformation has created a greater need for the healthcare system to increase the use of health management information system (HMIS). HMIS is meant to help all departments within a healthcare organization, such as a hospital, to communicate easier creating a better care experience

Information and communication technology has been adopted and implemented within various sectors of the economy. This is attributed to the benefits of technology in facilitating organizational activities and processes and its use in meeting the changes which characterize the modern society. The health sector is one of the industries which have significantly implemented technology. The health sector’s technological applications have been achieved within health information systems. The implementation of technology in this sector has resulted into both positive and negative implications on health

A Health Informatics professionals focuses primarily on designing and creating computer information systems (Alliance, 2014). These systems are used to improve the quality of care given to patients by assuring it is given in an effective and efficient way (Alliance, 2014). According to Alliance, Health Informatics Professionals focus their attention more so on understanding health electronic records (Alliance, 2014). They find ways in which data can be used to support practices and make sure it also supports adequate clinical decision making. They lean towards working closely not just the medical staff but also with patients in order to evaluate the outcomes, clinical process, resources and information technology (Alliance, 2014). Whereas a Health Information Management professionals focus more on the usage, accuracy and completeness of medical records along with proper coding documentation (Alliance, 2014). Health Information Management professionals are also responsible for having a clear understanding and are liable to abide by all policies and guidelines that are implemented by local, federal and state level (Alliance, 2014). The role of an HIM professional is highly important in the medical world, not just because it ensures an accurate and complete health record but because by doing so, it allows the hospitals and facilities to receive proper reimbursement (Alliance,

Designed to bring U.S. medicine into the digital age, by funding grants for every hospital in the united states to have the capability to utilize Electronic Health Records (EHR), similarly physicians will have equal access to introduce HER into their practice. The long term goal is to link access to all health records not only locally but on a national health information exchange (BAU, 2011). The greatest challenge will be that organizations will need to evaluate the potential and implications of new technologies, adapt them to local needs and conditions, and minimize the risks associated with new product and service deployment. Effective improvements on quality of care and outcomes, cost savings and benefits to research has proven that it has been a great asset to the healthcare industry.

The use of health information technology has evolved over the years to become an integral part of the patient care. Note to mention that technology in healthcare initially was driven by hospital shared accounting system, then, it changes to drugs and reimbursement program. The system has expanded to the point that at the corner of 21 century, health technology is different from what it was before. Meanwhile, complementary technologies integrate the system. It started with electronic medical record (EMR) and progresses to electronic health record (HER) or e-health that involves the use of computer and other computer-based devices to collect, store, and retrieve data that are in turn transformed into information for meaningful use; thus, the term of health information technology (HIT). In attempt to forecast meaningful use of health information technology, it is possible to list other emerging health information technology devices, such as mobile health (m-health) and ubiquitous health (u-health) that will not be part of the discussion in this paper. For the record, meaningful use of electronic health record is based on care outcome reimbursement, whereas any clinical decisions should aim to support quality care at a low cost. Thus, providers, nurses, and other health disciplinary team should aim their daily practice towards the pillars of care outcomes that are the attributes of meaningful use. For this

Health Information Technology (HIT) is continuously evolving and holds high promising standards when it comes to improving the health care quality in the U.S. and other countries. Health Information Technology (HIT) can improve in several areas such as: efficiency, cost reduction, quality and safety care delivery, immediately accessibility of data to clinicians by making computerized patient records available throughout a health care network (ahrq.gov 2006). To the point that congress in 2009 put aside billions of dollars from the stimulus package, to create incentives for meaningful use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to physicians or health organizations. Nonetheless, despite the bright future and potential benefits of HIT some conflicts still rise about its complete adaptation and success in the future. Mainly to those particular HITs, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Personal Health Records (PHR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR).

The apparent use of health information systems (HIS) in healthcare organizations evolved due to the increased awareness of the health care providers, patients, and the legislators of the HIS’ benefits which includes improved safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. Moreover, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allocated $19 billion to encourage healthcare organization’s meaningful use of HIS, therefore, the implementation of HIS became more prevalent.

The healthcare sector is one among the few areas that are vital for the wellbeing of individuals and the societies. Due to people’s dependence on sound healthcare systems, current and emerging technologies have been developed to provide health practitioners, especially nurses with an opportunity to improve patient outcomes. The improved outcome is influenced ease of information access that helps in various decision-making processes. Qualified nurses play a key role in leading unit and organizational changes that focus on incorporating emerging technologies to promote patient safety and enhance quality of care. Based on a case scenario where a healthcare organization is merging with another organization of comparable size, a health information system is required to offer services to underserved populations in a facility with remote technology. As an informatics nurse specialist working in the primary organization, the current paper will highlight the process and rationale for leading a project committee that is tasked with overseeing the migration to a common health information system that meets federal regulatory requirements. Moreover, it will highlight the specific health information system that can be used to promote patient safety and enhance overall quality of care.

Information technology has the potential to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care. Drivers of investment in information technology include the promise of quality and efficiency gains. Barriers include the cost and complexity of implementation which usually facilitates changes in work processes.