SLP Assignment- Trends in Health Information Systems and Applications - Essay Example

SLP Assignment- Trends in Health Information Systems and Applications How the informatics systems/applications has evolved The informatics system was given the name Handheld because of its portable nature and design. Generally, the system makes it possible for users to receive updates and information on their mobile phones by the use of the system software. As far as the evolution of the system is concerned, it can be said that the system has been taken through a very rapid transition where it has evolved from a static table top system to what it now is, a hand held system that can be carried about everywhere within the facility.

When the system was first introduced, it was not decentralized and so there was a department specially put in charge of the system. Today, there is a centralization of the system, making it possible for everyone on the system to receive instant messages concerning the inputs of patient care. A typical example of this is the ability for team members to receive signals of abnormal laboratory test results. Once such reports are received, they are quickly transferred to the laboratory and scan department where appropriate corrective actions are taken.

The evolution has therefore been focused on portability and accessibility.Future trends for healthcare informaticsIn the future, informatics system in the healthcare sector is expected to be even more effective than it is now, coming in line with the Nursing Information System (NIS) standards. Research has showed that two of the best ways of enhancing existing healthcare informatics is through the expansion of storage and usability, and the improvement of security features (Institute of Medicine, (2011).

These two ambitions are thus going to be the future trend for healthcare informatics as it is expected that usability will be extended even to include patient interface. For example it should be possible for patients to access basic information able their health records and trends of their health improvements. Patients should also be able to make enquiries on the system. Among the service providers also, the quantum of data that can be stored in the system and thus processed by them needs to be increased.

As far as security is concerned, it will be important to ensure that information assurance is better guaranteed on the system. This should be done by ensuring that even though it will be possible for one department to access the information of another department for decision making, it should not be possible to manipulate data from an external department. All forms of hacking and hijacking of data should also be checked for information protection.How trends impact the healthcare delivery systemOf the various trends discussed, and the prevailing evolution that the informatics has brought to the facility, all that can be said of the impact to healthcare delivery system is that there is a very bright future for the healthcare delivery system.

This is because end users who are patients are going to be the major benefactors of the system, having their needs meet. For example the efficiency that the system brings would mean that more patients can be taken care of within a very short time frame. Even more, the healthcare informatics is going to ensure that patients are going to be assured and guaranteed proper and evidence based prescription of drugs (Haye, 2012). Issues with loss of files and vital patient data that jeopardizes decision making are all going to be a thing of the past.

In short therefore, healthcare delivery system is going to be improved to the best it can be.REFERENCE LISTHaye G. T (2012). Elementary Helathcare through Community Mobilisation Programs. United Express Limited: Chicago.Institute of Medicine, (2011). Leading Healthy People. Accessed March 1, 2013 from http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2011/Leading-Health-Indicators-for-Healthy-People-2020/Leading%20Health%20Indicators%202011%20Report%20Brief.pdfU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Leading health indicators.

Retrieved January 4, 2013 from from http://healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/default.aspx