Question

A Rural Health Unit uses sheets of paper as means of storing the medical records of their patients.

1. Are these medical records stored in sheets of paper part of the health system?
2. What "information technology" is being utilized by this Rural Health Unit?
3. How does the Rural Health Unit utilize this "information technology" for health informatics?

Answer 1

Paper medical records are the traditional way of entering and storing patient data. The Health Information Technology for economic and Clinical Health act in 2009 brought a revolution in the health care sector. The concept of Electronic Health Records was introduced after that. Storage of physical records requires space as well as proper maintenance to avoid damage. Health information technology(HIT) enables to digitalize and store such physical records. Electronic Health Information Exchange includes digital data as well as scanned entry of physical data. The patient information were entered in paper and stored in file cabinets previously. Exchange of information took place by means of e mail, fax or by individual exchange. Rural Health centers can digitalize their data on paper and store them electronically using the Health Information Technology.

Uses of health informatics: Health informatics make use of information technology to organize as well as analyze the patient records in order to improve the care outcome. Health informatics provides easy access to health care information that may be helpful in identifying the health statistics regarding morbidity rates and mortality rates specific to any particular disease, outcomes of specific treatment outcome among the patient population. It also provides adequate data for research and evidence based practice. In rural areas HIT enables to provide high quality, coordinated and effective delivery of health services by digitally connecting patients in remote areas with specialists residing in urban areas through telemedicine and telecommunication techniques. HIT also allows the patients to track their health care related information through patient portals.