The language of health informatic - Essay Example

THE LANGUAGE OF HEALTH INFORMATICS Fundamentals of database characteristics and structure The use of database has been with us in the health sector practice for long. The only thing that may be new in this situation is that whereas the traditional form of database has existed in manual paper and pen form, the present form of database being discussed is electronically powered with so many bases in information technology (Jeste and Finkel, 2010). The core characteristics and structure of database therefore remains relatively the same for information technology database as it exists for traditional database.

In this way, some of the key components or characteristics of the database includes the ability for it to have a simple decoding formula whereby all parties on the system can easily decode data that are put in the system and use these data in a way and manner that best meets their needs. Again, the data ought to be highly accessible. Accessibility in this case would touch on the need to ensure that the programming is designed at the level and standard of the user’s information technology knowledge.

Finally, it is important to structure the database in such a way that even though it can be accessed easily, it cannot be easily penetrated by intruders. That is security should be a key factor.Various types of medical data and information records relevant to this projectDatabase would be found to include among other things, personal data that touches on name, age, gender, religion and insurance information of patient (Gillespie et al, 2009). This is followed with patient profile, which includes data on aspects of the patient daily life including occupation, education, marital status, children, hobbies, worries, needs, patterns and habits (Tune and Salzman, 2012).

Furthermore, the database looks at medical history of the patient as well as physical examination and laboratory data. When it comes to these areas, chief complaints, area of present illness, past medical history and medication are clearly spelt out on the database. The database could therefore be said to be an electronic system that makes the identification of the patient easier for the practitioner.The importance of uniform terminology, coding and standardization of the dataIndeed, it is worth stressing the point that having a database that merely spells out and possesses the characteristics and medical data above is not enough.

Rather, these data must be presented and handled in such a way that it represents the best form of utilization for the health practitioner. It is in such regard that the need to have a uniform coding and standardization of the data becomes important. In a multi-facility regional hospital such as this one, data that are uniformly coded in a single system would bring a lot of importance. For example it will make the transfer of information from one unit to the other easier and accessible. As the time in manually transferring data becomes minimized, the time for giving out actual care will be maximized (Tune and Salzman, 2012).

What is more, it becomes easier for practitioners across all departments to have better understanding of the situation of a particular patient. For example the pharmacy will be prevailed to the diagnostic records of the patient through the common standardized system and so would prescribe drugs that will meet the specific health needs of patients. In sum, uniform coding and standardization of data makes the distribution of duties across departments and units of the hospital well organized and integrated.

Applicable information standards and organizations required for this projectFor the pending project, there are specific information standards and organizations that will be highly useful and applicable to ensure that the project meets the current and stipulated needs of the hospital. As far as information standards are concerned, it is admonished that information that are used for the project become those that on specific record content including uniform core data elements, information on outcomes of care and functional status, and standardized coding system and format.

These standards ought to be rightly linked with all information system components within the hospital such as radiology, must be transferable across departments, must be supported by literature, and above all, must support a quality assurance system. Once these are assured, all parties will benefit including patients and service providers (Jeste and Finkel, 2010).CITED WORKSGillespie et al. Interventions for preventing falls in elderly people. 2009. Web. February 11, 2013 Jeste, D. Villa. & Finkel, S. Isaac. 2010.

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