Disaster Impact on Healthcare Informatics Systems
One natural disaster that can affect a healthcare informatics system in Louisiana is a flood. Due to its location, floods are frequent in the area; thus, it is necessary to understand that a major flood can happen at any point. Thus, it is necessary to be prepared to protect the informatics system in case a flood happens and know precisely how it can be protected and how data can be saved.
A flood can damage healthcare facilities physically, which will inevitably cause damage to the informatics systems as well, as computer equipment and electrical systems will also be affected. Patient data stored on local servers can also be lost, leading to adverse outcomes for the quality of care provided. For organizations to avoid such scenarios, they must have recovery plans.
Methods for Data Preservation and Retrieval After a Disaster
Establishing backup systems for saving copies of the data to be retrieved further is the first and major way to deal with this scenario. Backup systems can include different types of media for storage. Hebda et al (2020) mention that “Media choices include magnetic tape, hard disk, an optical disc (CD and DVD), and solid-state storage (flash memory, thumb drives), as well as remote backup services. CDs, DVDs, and solid-state storage devices conveniently back up stand-alone PCs” (p.330). Before establishing a backup system, it is necessary to determine which media type will be most convenient for this particular organization (Hebda et al., 2020). All data is then copied to the chosen media type so that it can be restored from the backup system after the disaster occurs.
Another way to save and retrieve data after a disaster is through server replication. Server replication creates a copy of a server used in the healthcare organization when the copy is placed in a different location. This way, when a disaster takes place and the area of the organization is affected, but the area where the replicated server is located is not, the data is saved and retrieved. As Hebda et al (2020) state, “This approach eliminates labor costs and the need to physically transport tapes” (p.331). Moreover, replicating the server can be automated and is more reliable than having the data copied on physical media.
Financial and Non-Financial Costs of a Disaster
In my workplace, there have been instances where the patient data was lost or not saved due to singular IT problems rather than major disasters. In these situations, backup systems helped to retrieve the lost data. One financial cost can be related to the necessity to replace all the damaged equipment in terms of the financial and non-financial costs these situations lead to.
The costs can be significantly high depending on the amount of damaged equipment. One non-financial cost can be associated with the loss of individuals, depending on the severity of the disaster. The disaster can lead to both personnel and patients losing their lives.
To conclude, preparing for major disasters is important, specifically regarding saving data. In Louisiana, one of the disasters that can damage informatics healthcare systems is a flood; thus, it is vital to be prepared for it. Some ways to save and retrieve data that can be lost due to a disaster include backup systems and server replication. Disasters can lead to substantial financial and non-financial losses, so being prepared in advance is necessary.
Reference
Hebda, T. L., Hunter, K., and Czar, P. (2020). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Pearson.