Health Information Systems
Section 1:
In order for health care organizations to provide high quality services, it is vital that they update their health information systems on a frequent basis. There are various channels and/or avenues that are available for use by health care organizations with regard to the development of new health information systems. The request for information serves as one of the most significant avenues through which these organizations may develop new health information systems. (Hebda, 2009)
Information from the health care organizations is either requested by individuals or other types of institutions such as insurance organizations. Depending on the nature of requests made, the health care organization can easily determine the specific areas of strengths and weaknesses within its information systems. (Abdelhak, 2012)
A potential area of weakness within the health information system of a health care organization pertains to the time taken to respond to a question. Due to the sensitive nature of health care, these kinds of organizations must establish mechanisms that are aimed at enhancing the speed of information delivery. The life of a critically ill patient is lost or saved in a split second and as such, health care organizations must streamline the health care information systems. (Abdelhak, 2012)
Section 2:
Prior to selecting a new health information system, it is always important to ensure that all viable alternatives are evaluated. This cannot be achieved without the request for proposal; the proposal plays numerous roles when it comes to the development of a new health information system. Firstly, a proposal enables the health care organization to determine and set appropriate priorities.
For instance, some health care organizations are in dire need of the enhancement of manual systems for data collection whereas the priority for others pertains to the enhancement of computerized systems for data collection. In order to set the right priorities, the health care organization utilizes the proposal. (Susman, 2010)
In addition to this, another significant contribution made by proposals during the selection of a new health information system is the evaluation of costs and benefits associated with different approaches. Whereas some information systems are likely to bring about huge costs for the health care organization, others are relatively inexpensive and associated with exemplary benefits. Assessment of these perspectives is best achieved when the health care organization implements the recommendations enshrined in proposals. (Hebda, 2009)
Section 3:
While selecting new health information systems, it is of paramount importance that the health care organizations seek advice from expert consultants. This implies that consultants form an integral part of the development or selection of new information systems in health care organizations. The input of consultants is extremely crucial especially because it is characterized by low levels of bias. In instances whereby the health care organizations consult internally, elements of bias are likely to occur and thus compromise the quality of the entire selection process. (Susman, 2010)
On the contrary, external consultants are characterized by excellent levels of impartiality and as such, the outcome of the selection process is strongly enhanced. While selecting new health information systems, the consultants conduct a comprehensive analysis with regard to the short and long term feasibility of different systems. Whereas some information systems appear beneficial in the short term, this is not necessarily the case from a long term perspective. As a result of previous exposure and experience, the consultants are in a better position to determine the most effective information systems. (Abdelhak, 2012)
References
Abdelhak, M. & Hanken, M. A. (Eds.) (2012) Health information: Management of a strategic resource (4th Ed), MO: Elsevier Saunders
Hebda, T. & Czar, P. (2009). Handbook of information for nurses & health care professionals (4th Ed), NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall
Susman, J. (2010). EHRs for all: Regional extension centers to the rescue, Journal of Family Practice, 59(7)
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