Leveraging Health Care Information Systems to Improve Patient Outcomes
Using technology in different areas helps to modernize approaches and provide more favorable treatment outcomes for patients with less intervention from healthcare providers. Using healthcare information systems (HIT) and informatics tools simplifies communication between different healthcare providers and improves patient safety (Kruse & Beane, 2018). Moreover, it allows patients to be involved in the treatment process and establish partnerships between the healthcare professional and the client.
Three Informatics Tools Engaging Patients in Their Health Care
Electronic Health Records
For example, one of the healthcare information systems tools uses electronic health records (EHR) (Côrtes & Côrtes, 2011). EHRs are primarily used to optimize interdisciplinary collaboration between professionals and improve patient safety. Recording information about treatment progress reduces the risk of medical errors and incorrect prescriptions, improving patient outcomes (Côrtes & Côrtes, 2011). Moreover, each patient can access their EHR; hence, they can learn more about their disease.
Clinical Decision Support System
Another HIT used in modern healthcare is the Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). It is a unique system that, based on available information from the EHR, medical research, and professional literature, suggests the best treatment options for each patient (Sutton et al., 2020). CDSS can significantly improve patient safety by providing optimal treatment options relevant to the specific situation. Moreover, the system allows a healthcare provider to track the results of patients, adapt the treatment plan, and involve patients in decision-making. Through CDSS, patients can increase their awareness of the disease, assess the risks, and choose the optimal treatment.
Telehealth
Telehealth is another tool that can improve the quality of patient medical services. According to Bowles et al. (2015), it helps to increase the number of patients served and raise their self-efficacy in treating various diseases. Moreover, telehealth allows one to track patient condition changes and respond to them more quickly, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of recurrence.
It ensures early detection of problems and timely intervention to help patients (Bowles et al., 2015). In addition, remote communication with a doctor attracts many with its convenience, which makes patients more conscious and allows them to seek qualified help more often. However, the healthcare system needs to increase patient confidence in new technologies and information systems to attract more people to such practices.
References
Bowles, K. H., Dykes, P., & Demiris, G. (2015). The use of health information technology to improve care and outcomes for older adults. Research in gerontological nursing, 8(1), 5–10. Web.
Côrtes, P.L., & Côrtes, E.G.P. (2011). Hospital information system: A study of electronic patient records. Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management, 8(1), 131-154. Web.
Kruse, C. S., & Beane, A. (2018). Health information technology continues to show positive effect on medical outcomes: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(2), 1-11. Web.
Sutton, R. T., Pincock, D., Baumgart, D. C. et al. (2020). An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success. Npj Digital Medicine, 3(17), 1-10. Web.