Problems
There are several issues or problems surrounding Carolina Healthcare System (CHS). The first problem is rapid changes in digitization, where there is a high probability that electronic healthcare records (EHR) may be vulnerable to access due to system failure or malice. Companies like Google and Apple have been advancing their tech daily due to the increased digital transformation. As a result, technological changes may affect patient data because there are more smart ways to access data legally and illegally. For example, the case study notes that CHS has recognized risk in privacy where patient data needs to be protected to minimize personal or group liabilities.
The second problem is the stiff competition in healthcare provision through tech companies that build features daily. For instance, Apple has a HealthKit application that incorporates laboratory test results, leading to more acquisitions in EHR companies because of the adoption of devices and software. The problem is evident since Dublin, the key person behind CHS, has to consider the industry players to work with while being keen on the healthcare data that must be integrated.
The last problem is the new trend that has invited value-based healthcare instead of service-centric aspects in medical delivery. This drastic shift means the key competitors will be instilling value-based services and products based on state and federal healthcare laws. The problem ensues since CHS systems must reach particular quality measures to be relevant in the market for a long time, and they face the vulnerability of sustainable clinical practice and venture.
Possible Solutions
With the rising technological transformation, healthcare data must be protected. First, CHS must implement protective data controls that enable the blocking of access to data in a malicious way. That can be done in real-time, meaning that synchronization must be based on a modern microservices architecture that deploys strong programs to use and control online EHR data.
Comprehensive training and innovative strategies based on value chain analysis can address the problem of high competition in healthcare provision. For instance, CHS needs monitoring and benchmarking operations to find gaps in its existing systems and note discoveries from similar industry players. The continuous shift from service-based care to value-based care should be combated by having a systemic way to deliver clinical practices using telehealth applications to add value according to modern clinical issues. For example, if most people prefer paying for services provided at their convenience instead of impact, then CHS has to implement that to be relevant in the market.
CHS must encrypt the patient data using the required legal and professional standards. Specifically, CHS must use an advanced encryption standard based on federal law, where a symmetric-key algorithm is set to decipher information without easy access. Additionally, CHS must use modern systems and invest in digital and smart analytics tools to beat competitors in the market. For instance, the management can team with LabWare’s phlebotomy, which assists in routine ward collection for outpatient clinics with flexibility and visibility in a secure way. For value-based healthcare, CHS must implement a checklist that guides nursing informatics about new methodologies in telehealth.
Expected Outcomes
If possible solutions are applied, CHS will not be vulnerable to challenges brought by health informatics perspectives. The first expected outcome is a seamless clinical practice that meets today’s health standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This will be enabled by using advanced ways of handling patient data. The second outcome will be increased patient satisfaction because of the low rate of mortalities, exacerbations, and other adverse impacts. These outcomes will be evident if CHS factors the recommendations in this report and monitors progress in any move regarding the same.