Health information technology (HIT) incorporates storage. Retrieval, sharing, and use of data related to an individual’s health care. Using traditional methods about doctor visits and treatments in paper records are not as effective. Instead, all information is managed electronically. Computer hardware and software technology are integral pieces to HIT infrastructure. It allows patients to take more control of their long-term health outcomes. Health care professionals use HIT systems on a regular basis to manage extensive amounts of data. Now, patients are beginning to see the benefits of taking an active interest in their own health.
Table of contents
Health Information Technology in the Real World
Several patients have been exposed to different technology and software. That comes under health information technology. Everything ranging from patient portals to online education and consultation helps. By providing patients the opportunity to see health information for themselves.
By using this technology they can decide on their future health. Based on first hand knowledge of personal health data and history. There are several examples of health information technology operating in the real world. Most of these examples, such as secure messaging, and mobile applications are successful. Finding their way into many healthcare providers’ regular infrastructure and routine.
Electronic Health Records
- EHRs are an expansive, all-encompassing collection of a single person’s health data over time.
- They are stored online, often in “clouds.” So EHRs allow doctors and patients to access and use information from anywhere.
- Doctors are able to track their patient’s health information in one place. Without the hassle of paperwork or lost files.
Personal Health Records
- PHRs, on the other hand, are very similar to EHRs. But patients get to control the information that goes into their health record. As opposed to their doctors or other health care providers.
- A Personal Health Record is a useful way for a patient to record important information. Related to different doctor visits. They can track other health data like what to eat, how much exercise they can get, and their blood pressure.
- Personal health records might be easily linked with an electronic health record.
Benefits Of Health Information Technology
Health informatics is an essential for medicare facilities nowadays. It has played a great role in improving patient care. Here are some of the benefits of health informatics.
Cost Reduction
Healthcare informatics has contributed immensely in lessening cost in the medical business. Since it minimizes medical errors which costs a lot in the business. According to statistics, about $136 billion takes over error costs in the United States. But technologies like Computer Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are designed to detect medical errors. Specifically in duplication, mismatches, and allergies of patients based on their data. Leading to huge cost-reduction for healthcare companies.
Enhanced Coordination
With an increase in specialization of healthcare, patients usually receive care. Simultaneously from different medical professionals in one hospital stay. This increase in the number of medical professionals attending to a patient may lead to a certain level of incoordination.
Health informatics makes the necessary coordination possible. By allowing health professionals involved in a patient’s care to simultaneously record, disseminate, and share updates, logs, and findings. It also ensures conversations regarding several issues. Like blood levels, therapy, nutrition, discharge instructions, etc. are made in tandem with one another so as to avoid problems.
Better and Efficient Storage of Patient Records
For an extended period of time, most medical facilities used outdated methods to store patient records. Even today, a large number of hospitals around the world still use paper-based systems to store patient data. However, with the informatics industry booming, the implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, management of patients’ records is now made much more convenient.
Medical professionals are now finding patient’s data stored in convenient coded computer systems. Furthermore, workload is drastically reduced as searching for data by manual processes induces extra stress on the entire personnel of a medical facility. Thereby affecting their ability to work efficiently throughout shifts.
Upcoming Trends In Healthcare Industry
Internet of Medical things (IoMT)
A report from Precedence Research projects that the IoMT market will reach figures around $172.4 billion by 2030, up from $39.9 billion in 2020. Especially wearables and trackers have become integral to today’s medical industry for updating health care professionals with real-time patient data. It also gives patients the awareness of their own health so they can make informed decisions. Through wearables, doctors and patients can stay in touch with each other.
Data Privacy
Cybersecurity in the medical industry is a widespread challenge. According to a healthcare data breach report published by HIPAA Journal, “An average of 59 data breaches each month and 712 healthcare data breaches between the entire year of 2021.” When implementing IoT, the threat of data hacks is constantly rising every day. Health care organizations need to step up and scope their security options to keep important data safe.
The Untapped Potential of Health Information Technology
Health information technology will be expanding beyond comprehension in the coming years. Now, health care professionals and patients will become familiar with different systems. So they will be able to find new and useful ways to parse health data. An incredible amount of potential rests in the future of health information technology. Both for doctors and patients alike. The end goal of it all is to continue influencing health outcomes for the better.
Feel free to reach out and comment if you have any questions regarding the future of healthcare information technology!
Featured Image: Pediatric Success Series
