Contents
Introduction 2- Information Systems 3
- Healthcare Information System 4
- Online Patient Information System 9
- Information Systems using Advanced Technologies 11
- Information System and Clinical Governance 12
- Healthcare Information System - Risks 13
- Conclusion 16
Description
Healthcare has witnessed substantial growth and progress in terms of incorporation of technological advancement into its operations since the last couple of decades or so. The advent of internet technology and subsequent adaptation of the technology into healthcare has greatly increased the effectiveness and speed of deliverance of healthcare system. The computerization of patient documents is another area that is seemingly helping all the healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pathologists, administration staff and even patients themselves in carrying out accurate diagnosis and providing effective care. Health information system is an area where IT and healthcare are working together to bring about consolidation of all the patient records and make it available in a centralized database, which can be accessed by all the authorized users. The information system also allows medical practitioners of other clinics also access the data once the data is made available online. The online patient information system is providing ready access to the entire concerned healthcare professionals across the globe. Although, healthcare information system and online patient information systems are gaining popularity, there are criticisms pertaining to the accuracy of the records in the information system, the human errors that could crop in while entering information in the system or even the high investment on IT infrastructure. Notwithstanding the criticism though many hospitals, government agencies are investing in IT in healthcare and online patient information system. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of information technology in healthcare especially in the areas of healthcare information system and online patient information system.
