APPLICATION OF HEALTH CARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Explain how health information systems are being applied to different ancillary departments and/or specialties by doing the following:

Create an architectural schema of the health information systems infrastructure at the health organization you selected in Module 1. Create the schema using a table where you list the types of health information systems (i.e., EHR) and in another column state the purpose of the health information system.

The paper should contain an introduction paragraph, followed by your chart, then a paragraph or two explaining how each health information system is integrated within the overall infrastructure at the health care organization, and finally a conclusion.

A 2- to 3-page (excluding the title page and reference page) paper showcasing the health information system infrastructure at the health care organization you selected. In addition, provide an architectural schema in a table of the health information systems infrastructure and the purpose of the health information system.
Explain how each health information system is integrated within the overall infrastructure of the health care organization you selected.

Full Answer Section

     

Architectural Schema:

Health Information System (HIS) Purpose
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Centralized repository for patient medical records, including demographics, allergies, medications, diagnoses, lab results, imaging reports, and clinical notes.
Laboratory Information System (LIS) Manages laboratory test orders, results, and reporting. Integrates with the EHR for seamless data flow.
Radiology Information System (RIS) Manages the scheduling, acquisition, storage, and interpretation of medical images (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs). Integrates with the EHR for patient imaging history.
Pharmacy Information System (PIS) Manages medication orders, dispensing, inventory control, and medication administration records. Integrates with the EHR to prevent medication errors and allergies.
Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) Electronic system for physicians to electronically order medications, lab tests, imaging studies, and other procedures directly within the EHR.
Nursing Information System (NIS) Supports nurses in documenting patient care activities, vital signs, medication administration, and progress notes. Integrates with the EHR for comprehensive patient care documentation.
Patient Portal Secure online platform allowing patients to view their medical records, lab results, appointment schedules, and communicate with healthcare providers.
Billing System Manages patient billing, insurance claims processing, and revenue cycle management. May integrate with the EHR for automatic charge capture based on services rendered.
Administrative Information System (AIS) Manages hospital administrative functions such as human resources, payroll, accounting, and inventory control.
Public Health Reporting System Enables reporting of mandatory public health data (e.g., communicable diseases) to local and state health departments.

Integration and Interoperability:

The HIS at [Hospital Name] functions as a cohesive ecosystem through robust integration strategies. Here's how each system interacts:

  • EHR as the core: The EHR acts as the central repository for all patient data, serving as the foundation for other systems to access and update relevant information.
  • Data exchange: Interfaces and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) facilitate seamless data exchange between the EHR and other HIS. For example, lab results from the LIS automatically populate the patient's chart in the EHR.
  • Workflow automation: CPOE reduces medication errors and streamlines workflows. Integration between the EHR and PIS allows for automatic medication dispensing based on physician orders.
  • Patient engagement: The patient portal empowers patients to manage their health information and communicate with providers, fostering patient engagement.

Conclusion:

By leveraging a well-integrated HIS infrastructure, [Hospital Name] enhances patient care coordination, improves data accuracy, streamlines workflows, and empowers patients to participate actively in their healthcare journey. Continuous evaluation and upgrades to the HIS infrastructure are crucial to adapt to evolving technologies and ensure optimal patient care delivery.

Sample Answer

   

Health Information Systems Infrastructure at [Hospital Name]

Introduction:

Modern healthcare organizations rely heavily on a complex network of health information systems (HIS) to manage patient data, streamline workflows, and deliver quality care. This paper explores the HIS infrastructure at [Hospital Name], a fictitious healthcare organization, highlighting the various systems used by different departments and specialties, their functionalities, and how they integrate to create a comprehensive healthcare information ecosystem.