Health Informatics and Emerging Technologies Research Paper

Health Informatics and Emerging Technologies - Research Paper Example Electronic Health Record (HER) is a form of a longitudinal computerized health record that comprises of digitalized health information about a population or individual patients (Smaltz, 2007). Statement The health data in electronic form is generated and stored in medical institutions with the help of microchips, smart cards, etc. Then, such records can be accessed or be shared across within several healthcare settings through a network connection of information systems. The data contained in such records are in summary form and may include; laboratory test results, billing information, medical history and other essential medical data. This advancement in technology in medical field has enabled competent health record keeping, streamlined work flow, quality management, and safety and evidence based decision with supporting documents. Effective maintenance of electronic health records is a key component for the efficient functioning of healthcare organizations. As these records contai ns very sensitive information and personal details about the patients, leakage of which could adversely affect the patients’ personal as well as the professional life and also the organization’s standing. However, there are certain disadvantages with this Health informatics based system particularly related to high cost involved in installing and implementing the system, legal issues, etc. Although, there are demerits, there are many more merits for this system, and this paper will discuss how those merits can aid in the optimal functioning of Healthcare organizations. In addition, even the demerits can be managed, if correct steps are taken. Reduced Health Care Costs Imaging is a major contributor towards the increase in health care costs. Irrespective of the medical insurance safeguards, spending on imaging makes a lot of people avoid accessing medical services. However, this problem can become a thing of the past if the health care providers adopt the electronic hea lth records system, as it is an effective way of averting the normal at the same time expensive duplicating imaging procedures. Apart from the cost factor, by going for electronic storing and transfer of imaging outputs will also increase the efficiency of the doctors in correct diagnosis. This was validated by a study conducted by Garrido et al. (2005) in Colorado and Northwest regions of Kaiser Permanente, a US integrated healthcare delivery system, using the population of 367, 795 members in the Colorado region and 449, 728 members in the Northwest region as the sample size. The results showed that after â€Å"more recent increases in general use of imaging inside and outside Kaiser Permanente†¦The chief of radiology in the Colorado region believed strongly that availability of electronic records to all carers improved interpretation of films.† (Garrido et al. 2005). Storage of physical records requires large amount of space which translate to expensive storage, costs which can be easily cut down with the usage of EHRs. In addition, physical medical records may be stored in different areas and therefore induces the cost of transporting them where they are required. Bringing them to a single location for usage by health care providers is not only time consuming but also costly. Some times such records might be needed in multiple locations at the same time whereby there must be faxing or transporting costs incurred. All these can be taken care of by using the EHRs. Quality Health