Health Care Information Systems

Health Care Information Systems

Justify the primary reasons why investing in any health care organizations technology and information system should align with the overall organizations strategic goals. Speculate at least one (1) example of the potential adverse effects to the organization for not doing so.

There are many reasons why investing in any health care organizations technology and information system should align with the organizations overall strategic goals. One of the primary reasons is that investing in technology should be one of the organizations goals. Investing in new medical technology and devices is great and leads to developments in patient care and treatment. Likewise, investment in information and technology systems will lead to increased efficiency, reduction in errors, greater statistics and data reporting and tracking, and a more streamlined process with ease of access that is essential to treating patients and documenting what has been done. The reduction in errors from illegible handwriting, and correct prescriptions, treatment plans, and patient education also aligns with most healthcare organizations strategic goal to provide quality healthcare. Information and technology systems also add value to the healthcare being provided by allowing for better communication between patients and healthcare providers (Burns, Bradley & Weiner, 2012). However, if a healthcare organization does not align its strategic goals with the upgrade in information and technology systems it is possible to overspend or underspend and purchase a system that does much more than is needed, or does not perform all of the functions necessary to ensure proper application to the organization. Having an electronic health record system that does not meet the minimum needs of the organization results in wasteful spending, just as over-spending results in a complicated system that will not be fully utilized. In addition, having a system that does not meet the needs of the organization can serve to frustrate employees who may end up feeling like they are being set up for failure rather than for success.

Suppose you are the administrator at a hospital of your choosing. From the e-Activity, suggest the most important attributes of other hospitals information systems (IS) that you would need to consider when structuring the IS system in your own hospital. Provide a rationale for your response.

When structuring the information system in my hospital, there are several factors that need to be considered. The first, and most important factor that needs to be considered is the needs of my facility. Purchasing an implementing an information system that is tailored to my hospital will ensure that it functions properly and meets the needs of the patients, the healthcare providers, the staff, and any legal requirements. Secondly, it is important to consider the information systems of other healthcare organizations in the area. There would need to be some type of compatibility with other healthcare organizations information systems because patients do not typically see just one organization for all of their medical needs. If our hospital is just a general hospital, compatibility with a cancer treatment center, a level one trauma center, women’s hospitals, and other pharmacies and specialty practices allows for ease of communication and transfer of care. This reduces stress on the patients and allows for easier cooperation between healthcare organizations (Burns, Bradley & Weiner, 2012). This could also lead to the development of partnerships and make mergers and acquisitions easier and less costly. Looking possible future developments in the area will set the hospital up for success no matter what future developments occur.

References:

Burns, L., Bradley, E., & Weiner, B. (2012). Shortell and Kaluzny’s Health Care Management:Organization, Design, and Behavior. (6th Ed.). Clifton Park, New York: Delmar Cengage Learning.