Question

Healthcare Information Systems

1. Explain the required quality assessment activities in healthcare

2. Describe the principal standards used for the digitization and exchange of patient records

3. Evaluate the concept of health information exchange, especially in terms of Meaningful Use.

Answer 1

Answer

HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Health information systems refer to any system that captures, stores, manages or transmits information related to the health of individuals or the activities of organizations that work within the health sector. A well-functioning HIS is an integrated effort to collect, process, report and use health information and knowledge to influence policy and decision-making, programme action, individual and public health outcomes, and research. Sound decision-making at all levels of a health system requires reliable health statistics that are disaggregated by sex, age and socioeconomic characteristics.

1.Answer

The quality assessment should be on the basis on eight quality characteristics:

• Functional Supportability
• Performance Efficiency
• Compatibility
• Usability
• Reliability
• Safety
• Maintainability
• Portability

2.Answer

For the digitisation and exchange of patient records an electronic health record (EHR), or electronic medical record (EMR) can be used. It is the systematized collection of patient and population electronically-stored health information in a digital format. These records can be shared across different health care settings. Records are shared through network-connected, enterprise-wide information systems or other information networks and exchanges. EHRs may include a range of data, including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal statistics like age and weight, and billing information.

EHR systems are designed to store data accurately and to capture the state of a patient across time. It eliminates the need to track down a patient's previous paper medical records and assists in ensuring data is accurate and legible. It can reduce risk of data replication as there is only one modifiable file, which means the file is more likely up to date, and decreases risk of lost paperwork. Due to the digital information being searchable and in a single file, EMRs are more effective when extracting medical data for the examination of possible trends and long term changes in a patient. Population-based studies of medical records may also be facilitated by the widespread adoption of EHRs and EMRs.

Digital formatting enables:

• Information to be used and shared over secure networks
• Track care (e.g. prescriptions) and outcomes (e.g. blood pressure)
• Trigger warnings and reminders
• Send and receive orders, reports, and results
• Decrease billing processing time and create more accurate billing system

Q3.Answer

HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Health information is an integral part of a functioning health system. Health information systems (HIS) provide evidence for policy and program decisions to support better health outcomes for individuals and for populations overall. It is a Technical and social framework that enables information to move electronically between organizations

Use of Health Information Exchange :

• Information to move electronically between organizations.
• Fast information transfer.
• Standard operating procedures for data collection, analysis, and use.
• Defines health indicators and data sources used consistently.
• Captures and monitors all health services and functions (e.g., medicines, human resources, technology); includes all levels of the health system; encompasses all data sources (e.g., routine records, population surveys, civil registration and vital statistics).
• Uses appropriate technology (including paper records) for the context.
• Has a plan for data quality checks and strategies for using and sharing data.
• Has appropriate training for health workers.
• reconfigured or redesigned to suit current needs.
• It has change management plans to integrate new and old procedures and is maintained with appropriate training and resources once scaled up or adapted.

A strong health information system (HIS) will be particular to the population and the government environment it serves. However, general characteristics common to all strong HIS can be observed and measured, and efforts made to strengthen them.

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