9.24: Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
- Documentation and Monitoring of Patient Care: HIT systems facilitate the efficient recording and tracking of patient data, aiding healthcare providers in monitoring patients' health status and making informed decisions.
- Managerial and Organizational Functions: Beyond patient care, HIT is instrumental in performing essential administrative tasks within healthcare organizations. It includes managing patient flow, scheduling, and other logistical aspects of healthcare delivery.
- Improving Patient Care Quality: HIT aims to elevate the standard of patient care. It focuses on streamlining the care process and centering it around the patient's needs, ensuring effective and efficient care.
- Secure Data Storage and Tracking: HIT systems serve the dual purpose of securely storing sensitive patient information and enabling healthcare providers to track their patient's health status and history over time.
Healthcare Information System (HIS)
Healthcare Information System, or HIS, is a subset of HIT and includes:
- Composition: HIS consists of specialized computer hardware and software for managing healthcare organizations' patient care information.
- Functionality: These systems are geared towards the collection, storage, processing, retrieval, and communication of patient information, facilitating a seamless flow of information across different departments and healthcare providers.
Types of HIS
HIS can be divided into two main types:
1. Clinical Information System (CIS): CIS focuses on direct patient care management. It is a comprehensive system that includes:
● A database management system for accessing patient data.
● Support for planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care.
● Integration with various departmental systems enhances coordination and efficiency in patient care. These include order entry, laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy departments.
1. Administrative Information Systems: These systems handle the non-clinical aspects of healthcare management, including:
● Payroll and human resources management.
● Financial management systems for managing billing, budgeting, and other financial operations.
● Quality improvement databases that aid in tracking performance metrics and identifying areas for enhancement in healthcare delivery.
