Health Information Technology
Most healthcare focused departments utilize technology for data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of information. For this assignment, select a healthcare organization or hospital department and
- Describe the organization or hospital department.
- Identify types of information collected, including format and approximate volume.
- Compare and contrast three data storage or databases used by the department.
- Identify and describe at least three communication technologies (for example a VPN) and how they are used in your selected organization or department.
- Identify and describe three internet technologies (for example, intranet) and explain how they are used in your organization or department.
- Identify and summarize a minimum of four Joint Commission standards related to health information technology relevant to a health information management department or another hospital department. To access The Joint Commission Standards Manual, follow the steps below:
From the homepage of the University of Arizona Global Campus Library, click on Find Articles & More in the purple bar near the top of the page. Next, take the following steps:
- Click on Databases by Subject
- Click on Health & Medicine
- Click on Joint Commission Edition for the Standards manual.
- Identify and advocate information operability between two hospital departments relative to patient information.
- Assess how the organization or department corrects department data utilized by other departments.
The Health Information Technology assignment
- Must be five to six double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center Links to an external site..
- Must include a separate title page with the following:
- Must use at least three sources in addition to the course text.
- Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
- Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric Links to an external site.for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Health information technology plays a crucial role in healthcare organizations and hospital departments’ day-to-day operations. The digitalization of healthcare has made it easier to collect, store, analyze, and report patient information. In this assignment, we will explore the use of technology in a hospital department, including the types of information collected, data storage, communication technologies, Joint Commission standards, and information operability.
1. Describe the organization or hospital department.
For this assignment, we will select the Health Information Management (HIM) Department. Health Information Management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting medical information vital to delivering quality patient care.
2. Identify types of information collected, including format and approximate volume.
The HIM department collects critical patient data such as medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and discharge records. These records are collected in electronic format and the volume of records can vary greatly depending on the size of the hospital and patient population.
3. Compare and contrast three data storage or databases used by the department.
The HIM department uses three primary types of data storage, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), and Master Patient Index (MPI). EHRs store patient health information in one electronic format, whereas PACS store medical images and results, including CT scans and X-rays. MPI is a database that connects all patient records across different hospital departments.
4. Identify and describe at least three communication technologies (for example a VPN) and how they are used in your selected organization or department.
The HIM department uses several communication technologies, including Virtual Private Networks (VPN), cloud computing, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VPNs provide secure connections for remote access, whereas cloud computing allows access to patient records from any device with an internet connection. VoIP enables cost-effective communication for remote calls and video conferencing.
5. Identify and describe three internet technologies (for example, intranet) and explain how they are used in your organization or department.
The HIM department uses several internet technologies, including intranet, extranet, and electronic mail (email). An intranet is a secure internal network that allows employees to access patient information and communicate with other departments. An extranet is a network that allows external parties, such as insurance companies or pharmacies, to access selected patient information. Email is used for internal communication between departments and external communication with outside parties, such as patients or physicians.
6. Identify and summarize a minimum of four Joint Commission standards related to health information technology relevant to a health information management department or another hospital department.
There are several Joint Commission standards that are relevant to health information technology in hospital departments. These include Data Management and Integrity (Standard IM.02.01.01), Medical Record Identification (Standard IM.02.02.01), Responsibility for Patient Records (Standard RI.01.01.01), and Confidentiality and Information Security (Standard RI.01.02.01). The HIM department must adhere to these standards to ensure proper management of patient information.
7. Identify and advocate information operability between two hospital departments relative to patient information.
Information operability between two hospital departments can be achieved through the integration of their respective electronic health record systems. This allows for the sharing of patient information in a secure manner, minimizing the need for manual data entry and reducing errors. Additionally, providing training to staff on proper data entry procedures and ensuring that all data fields are standardized across departments can further improve information operability.
8. Assess how the organization or department corrects department data utilized by other departments.
The HIM department maintains the accuracy of patient data by regularly reviewing and verifying data entries, identifying and correcting errors, and ensuring that all data is complete and compliant with regulatory standards. The HIM department routinely audits and monitors data entries by other departments and works with them to address any data accuracy issues.
Conclusion:
Health Information Technology is vital in healthcare organizations and hospital departments today. Proper management of patient data is essential to ensure accurate diagnoses, treatment plans, and discharge protocols. It is critical that all departments and staff adhere to Joint Commission standards to protect patient data and ensure operational efficiency. By implementing effective communication and internet technologies and ensuring information operability between departments, the HIM department can improve patient care and support clinical decision-making.
