Interfacing And Interoperability

HealthCare Deliv Hlth Informatic

HIM System Interfacing and Interoperability Assessment- 3

Healthcare has changed dramatically, and it keeps on changing. Technological developments in healthcare continue to improve the quality of life. Technology has had a significant impact on different practices in healthcare professionals. "Future technological innovation is going to keep transforming healthcare, yet while technologies drive innovation, human factors will remain as one of the stable limitations of breakthrough" (Thimbleby, 2013). The paper will evaluate health care applications and technology infrastructure. Identifying the pros and cons of maintaining existing HIM systems, and coming up with a decision whether the hospital should invest in interfacing all of their current systems with the possibility of transitioning the new health system acquisitions to this new interfaced system.

Characteristics of HIM Systems, Applications, Department functions, and Capabilities

Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality care (Health Information 101, n.d.). They are trained on the most recent information management technology applications as well as understanding the workflow in any healthcare provider organization such as large hospitals and private physician's practices. HIM professionals are vital to the day to day operations management of health information as well as electronic records (EHRs). Also, ensuring that the information of a patient and records are accurate, complete as well as protected. Health information management professionals (HIM) work in serval different places and have different titles as well as serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operation and administrative functions (Health Information 101, n.d.). They work on the classification of diseases and treatments, ensuring they are standardized for clinical, financial, and legal uses in healthcare. HIM professionals care for their patients by caring for their medical data. There are a few things that HIM professionals are responsible for which are, the quality, integrity, and protection of patients. Information, which can include the following, physical exam, lab results, clinical information such as nurse's notes, and many others.

Health information technology (HIT) refers to the framework used to manage health information and exchanging information in a digital format. HIT professionals mostly focus on the technical side of managing health information, working with software and hardware use managing and storing patient data. Usually, HIT professional backgrounds are from information technology and provides support for EHRs and other health information management professionals use to secure health information. With technology changing every day and advances, health information technology professions ensure that the electronic data Healthcare management (HIM) professionals manage, maintains, and exchange accurately and efficiently.

Health informatics (HI) is described as how health information is technically captured, transmitted, and utilized. It mostly focuses on information systems, informatics principles, and information technology, which applies to the continuum of healthcare delivery. Health informatics is an integrated discipline with different specialty domains that include management science, management engineering principles, healthcare delivery, and public health, patient safety, information science, and computer technology (Health Information 101, n.d.). Health informatics programs show individuality by proposing different options for practice and research focus. In informatics education, there is four significant focus research reflecting different disciplines such as medical/bio informatics-physicians- and research-based attracts medical students, nursing informatics-clinical-and research-based, attracts nursing students. Also, public health informatics-public health-and biosurveillance-based, attracts public health students and applied informatics-which addresses the flow of medical information in an electronic enlivenment and covers process, policy, and technological attracts HIM, students.

HIM System Components, Infrastructure, and Investment

Richardson health is a medium-sized system of health that operates different facilities in the Minnesota and Wisconsin area. Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is the primary health information system that is used at Richardson health. The EHR system is a digital version of a patient’s chart that shows their medical records such as immunizations, past ailments, and current regimens, among others. With the EHR system being used at Richardson Health, it goes beyond the process of diagnosing and treating patients with addressing there needs comprehensively. The system also provides health practitioners at the facility access to patient's charts for efficient and appropriate decisions that need to be made about their care. The coordination and collaboration with health care workers in every other hospital with Richardson Health are also made easy with the system that boosts service delivery to patients.

One feature with the Electronic Health system at Richardson Health's is that it is built in a way that enables the hospital to provide any patients information to other providers. If a patient be is referred to another facility, their data can be transmitted to another hospital. This gives health care providers a chance to see more patients without having to ask the patients to provide them with there medical history since the information is already there (Bodenheimer, 2008). Although having the EHR system is good, it is quite costly due to it needing significant technological investments to make it operational. Understanding how to use it properly, all users are required to be trained, and therefore it needs much capital to implement. The system often has some challenges of feeding behavioral data in the system without compromising the patients' rights of privacy or doctor-patient confidentiality.

Technology is continually changing and advancing, so the health information systems used ought to keep up the pace of the latest technology used in the health system. Richardson health must interface its system with that of its acquisition to build a superior EHR system. Facilities that are new should upgrade their system to correspond to the acquiring organization making sure a seamless transition for patients and stakeholders (Dermer et al., 2008). Interfacing the systems, will allow Richardson Health to maintain the standards of healthcare provision that is known due to it being able to address any limitations of the systems of its new acquisitions. For example, interfacing with building a robust system that will be capable of integrating any medical devices to the EHR system, which can help practitioners make diagnoses and write prescriptions at ease. Interfacing the EHR and integrating the billing system can reduce any cost incurred in data usage. Also, I will foster coordination between the main hospital and acquisitions because the same system with be operational. However, in order to revamp, Richardson Health will have to ascertain any cost that will be incurred. In the long run, some advantages will include increased patient capacity, reduce patient's hospital stays, reduce billing cost, data, and running separate systems (Gans et al., 2005). 

Pro and Cons of Existing HIM System

There are many types of health information systems, and every healthcare organization can adopt systems that are suitable for their activities. Richardson's primary health information system that they utilize is the Electronic Health Records (EHRs) system. The importance of the EHR software helps them communicate quickly with insurers, hospitals, and referring physicians. The EHRs system has some pros and cons such as;

Pros:

• Improved Quality of Care:Computerized notes are easier to read than a physician's handwriting. It reduces the risk of any errors and misinterpretations that can negatively impact the quality of patient care.
• Patient Access: Many EHR systems include a patient portal, which allows patients to have access to view their medical history and information.
• Financial Incentives:Installing a certified EHR can help you fulfill the Meaningful Use requirements for Medicaid and Medicare, making you eligible for various incentives from the federal government.

Cons:

• Potential Privacy and Security Issues:As with just about every computer network these days, EHR systems are vulnerable to hacking, which means sensitive patient data could fall into the wrong hands.
• Malpractice Liability Concerns:There are several potential liability issues associated with EHR implementation. For example, medical data could get lost or destroyed during the transition from a paper-based to a computerized EHR system, which could lead to treatment errors. Since doctors have greater access to medical data via EHR, they can be held responsible if they do not access all the information at their disposal.
• Inaccurate Information:Because of the instantaneous nature of electronic health records, they must be updated immediately after each patient visit — or whenever there is a change to the information. The failure to do so could mean other healthcare providers will rely on inaccurate data when determining appropriate treatment protocols.

System Integration Recommendations

System integration is the process of merging the components of different health information systems. It combines various health computing and software applications within a healthcare organization and between two or more healthcare organizations to coordinate (Health Information System Integration, 2019). Here are some best practices to achieve successful results;

• Patient focus: meeting the needs of patients rather than those of healthcare providers. Patients will actively resist every feature meant to improve their health status and communication with their healthcare provider if the providers fail to concentrate their efforts on patient satisfaction (Health Information System Integration, 2019).
• Effective technology: having high caliber technology can be critical for patients when accessing their information anywhere in healthcare and communicating with providers. With a quality, health information system can improve communication and information workflow between users (Health Information System Integration, 2019).
• Leadership: having strong leadership is needed. A good leader can bring different organizational cultures together, ensuring that training and incentives are in place to facilitate the successful adoption of information systems.
• Structure and oversight: newly integrated healthcare systems information needs new governance structures. All stakeholder groups, as well as healthcare providers, must participate in achieving diversified governance. Accountability and structure for decision-making must be developed (Health Information System Integration, 2019).

Conclusion

Healthcare has changed dramatically, and it keeps on changing. Technological developments in healthcare continue to improve the quality of life. Technology has had a significant impact on different practices in healthcare professionals. "Future technological innovation is going to keep transforming healthcare, yet while technologies drive innovation, human factors will remain as one of the stable limitations of breakthrough" (Thimbleby, 2013). When it comes to Richardson Health, the hospital should invest in interfacing all of their current systems and transition to new health system acquisitions to the new interfaced system. There will be a few advantages, such as increased patient capacity, reduce patient's hospital stays, minimize billing cost, data, and running separate systems.

References

Bodenheimer, T. (2008). Coordinating care--a perilous journey through the health care system. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18322289

Gans, D., Kralewski, J., Hammons, T., & Dowd, B. (2005). Medical groups' adoption of electronic health records and information systems. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16162580Health  Information, 101. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/careers/healthinfo

Health Information System Integration. (2019, August 29). Retrieved from https://www.microhealthllc.com/about-us/health-it/health-info-integration/ 

Thimbleby, H. (2013). Technology and the future of healthcare. Journal of public health research, 2(3), e28. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147743/