Integrated healthcare information systems are essential for shared care. Read on to know more.
Integrated healthcare information systems are vital for the control of some health conditions. They provide providers with information about a patient’s condition and can help with drug development.
Besides reducing human error, they also improve patient safety. But while integrated healthcare information systems are essential for improving the quality of care, they are not a prerequisite for achieving it. For these purposes, Integrated Healthcare Information Systems are a must.
This post will discuss the significance of the same.
What Is An Integrated Healthcare Information Systems (IHIS)?
Integrated Healthcare Information Systems (IHIS) connect disparate systems to improve health care. In an integrated approach, the information from the various healthcare systems is connected to the same platform. The result is a continuous flow of information and improved decision-making.
Common Goal Of IHIS
An electronic health record serves as the central hub of both IS types. A common goal of an integrated health information system is to provide an integrated view of patient information.
- Integrated health systems are not a substitute for a centralized patient database. They are meant to streamline care delivery by bringing disparate subsystems together. The EHR is the single source of truth for a patient’s clinical history and forms the core of the information systems architecture.
- An IHIS will include information from several sources, including electronic medical records, patient files, and patient health information.
- An integrated system will help providers analyze this data and provide better service.
- The first ‘ring’ of information-sharing comprises radiology, pathology, and prescribing systems, with the next ring supporting clinical specialities.
Significance of IHIS
Integrated healthcare information systems are an integral part of any hospital. They provide a more seamless experience for patients and lower healthcare providers. In addition to enhancing patient care, integrated health information systems also help improve the revenue cycle by reducing financial risk and increasing productivity.
A study by Protti and colleagues examined the adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in Alberta and Denmark. The researchers found that adopting integrated healthcare information systems could reduce financial risk.
The HITECH Act provides incentives for healthcare organizations to implement and upgrade their information systems. HL7 standards are designed to facilitate administrative and clinical data communication. This can make it more efficient to develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy to achieve better patient outcomes. These specialized IS can be implemented in several different ways. They can be used in multiple settings and customized for specific needs.
Using these standards will enable health care providers to exchange information electronically and reduce the costs of building interfaces. It also facilitates the electronic exchange of data. When implemented correctly, a properly integrated system will improve the efficiency of the entire health care system.
Bottom-line
Integrated healthcare information systems connect data and methods to improve healthcare. It allows our clinicians and researchers to gain insights into the health of a population. While it’s the use of these systems also improves the patient’s experience. It enables improved diagnosis and treatment.
