Health Care Information
Systems
Module 2: Information
Technology Today
|
|
The following objectives should be met by the end of this first module:
- Discuss the changes in healthcare that dictate the need for increased information.
- Define the different types of information systems and their abilities and requirements.
- List the different healthcare information management professional organizations.
- Distinguish Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) from Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Identify basic functions of a health information processing system.
These
notes are intended only to supplement your readings. The best way to
ensure each module is absorbed is to complete all the readings prior
to reviewing these lecture notes. I will try to highlight what I
believe to be the most important topics from your module readings. If
you have any questions or concerns or there is something you do not
understand, please ask me. You can either post on the webboard the
question you have (that way others can benefit from the response), or
you can e-mail me if you want a more private response. Either way it
is extremely important that you have a complete and thorough
understanding of the material for the module. Good luck and have a
great semester!
One of the most important considerations when beginning to study health care information systems is to understand the significance of this type of system. Health care is based on information. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and others rely on accurate, timely, and complete information to make important decisions. Without this type of information, lives could be lost due to needless mistakes. Patient information is not the only type that is essential to a health service organization, areas such as finance, human resources, and billing need timely data as well. Examples of health information include medical records, laboratory values, payroll, personnel records, and reimbursement data. Health services is one of the most information-intensive sectors of our economy in the United States. Despite this, health care has been very slow to adopt "the use of modern information technology in the delivery of care and the management of services". This is beginning to change and courses such as this one are becoming the norm in health care education.
The management of information resources in health services organizations and the effective use of that information will be the two main ideas behind this course. Most of you will be employed in the health care field upon graduation and a few of you may be involved in information systems. This course will benefit everyone because, in one way or another, you will encounter technology and possibly may be involved in the planning or implementation of that technology.
To being with, we must define and distinguish "data" from "information". Data are the facts and figures collected by the organization. Information is the collection and analysis of that data. More than not, data are collected that are unable to be used as "intelligent" information. I'm sure most of you have had experience with this phenomenon. For example, a dietary roster that only reveals prior diet orders rather than current orders.
It
is important to note that computers are only tools to aid in the
collection and analysis of data. "Information technology by itself is
not the answer to management problems; technology must be part of a
broader restructuring of the organization, including reengineering of
business processes".
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The beginning of information systems in health care can be traced back to the 1960s when hospitals began to automate administrative functions. These included mostly payroll and patient accounting capabilities. The systems were large and expensive and run by "mainframes" within the hospital. During the 1970s technology use in health care expanded into clinics, physician practices, and long-term care facilities. The systems became smaller and less expensive and more widely usable. The focus was still on administrative duties but did include some pharmacy and laboratory functions. In the 1980s the most radical change took place with the development of the personal computer (PC) that could be placed on the desktop. Storage and memory capability rivaled that of the original mainframe systems. Secondly, electronic data networks were developed which introduced the idea of "integrated computer systems". These systems could share data, software, information and link worker to worker. Clinical functions became common place and patient information could now be automated. The 1990s led to the development of decision support systems and quantitative based software for complicated data analysis. Today, there are few health care professionals who do not use technology on a daily basis. This field is growing by leaps and bounds with the push for "best practice" and managed practice balanced with financial concerns. Managers are using reports with real time data for strategic decisions daily in their organizations. The emphasis on the Information Systems Department within the health care field has also led to a greater number of new positions and opportunities for the health care professional.
Health Care Information Systems Today
New professions within the health care information field include the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Registered Records Administrator (RRA), and the Health Information Manager and many more. The CIO is usually positioned in top management with responsibilities that laterally equals the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). An RRA is a credentialed profession that requires passing a national based examination and continuing education. Finally, health information managers are responsible for the daily workings of the entire information systems within the organization. These positions involve knowledge of computer technology, clinical medicine, law, systems and personnel management.
Key concepts in the field of healthcare information include a goal of health and wellness, knowledge of organizational management, knowledge of information management, and a focus on the information system. Information management (IM/ MIS) focuses on health data and the health information processing of that data as the building blocks for developing the health management information system (HMIS). The HMIS focuses on the "system" as whole, rather than separate departments with separate functions. The basic functions MIS from a HMIS perspective include:
- data acquisition
- data verification
- data storage
- data classification
- data update
- data computation
- data retrieval
- data presentation
The system must be all encompassing and expandable. The ultimate purpose of any HMIS is to achieve and maintain appropriate health for the population it serves and to enhance the delivery of health services for the targeted patient population.
Computerized information systems today fall into four categories:
- clinical information systems
- administrative information systems
- strategic decision support systems
- electronic networking applications
Health care is in a rapid state of change due to many factors. These include a focus on managed care and practice, preventive care, and information availability. Technology is managing to keep up and to help medicine progress in these directions. The computerized medical record (CMR), which will be discussed in more detail in a later module, and strategic decision-support systems are a few new areas that are beginning to be embraced by Health Service Organizations (HSOs).
Many organizations are available that support and provide education and information to those in the health care technology field. I would recommend visiting their websites and becoming familiar with their journals and areas of specialty. These might also help you in your projects for this semester. Links are provided below as available.
The American College of Healthcare Information Administrators (ACHIA)
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
The Center for Healthcare Information Management (CHIM)
The College of Healthcare Information Management
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
That is it for notes for module #2! Let me know if you have any
questions.
Home | Information | Syllabus | Students