Question

Discuss two strategies in which health information technology could be utilized to improve healthcare quality that could result in improved patient safety. (Example: E-prescribing, Pay For Performance, etc.). What have you observed in professional practice and/or does the literature state regarding these strategies?

Answer 1

Modern health care system comprised of lot of innovation in health care technologies and this technologies help to provide comprehensive health care services in effective manner.

Health information technology is one of the innovation in health care system and this referred as use of information technology involve both computer software and hardware to store, retrieve and analyze health care information and it is utilize for communication and decision making. Most studies show that the health information technology help to ensure patient safety and provision of quality health care services.

Benefits of health Information technology

:reduction in medical error.

:reduction in adverse drug reaction

:improve compliance by practice according to guideline

:best time management.

:easy retrieval of data and easy communication about patient data.

:patient is more accessing of health care information related to their problems and increase patient knowledge

:patient can appointment for next visit and select best organization .

Strategies of health information technology

1)elecronic physician order and E-prescribing

This is one of the health information technology in which the physician use computer or electronic device to enter patient medical records and prescribing medications and diagnostic test. This system help the physician to avoid medication errors and help to identify drug interactions. So several studies suggests that the E-prescription and electronic health record help to assure patient safety. This system help to avoid human error.

2)Electronic sign out and hand off tool

This strategy help to transfer patient information from one health care provider to another, one health care team to another team or health care provider to patients and family. This technology help to ensure continuity of health care services. Continuing health care services help to promote Patient safety and security. Several studies suggests that the use of electronic devices in Hand over time help to prevent error and improve patient safety.