Integrated Healthcare Delivery System - Case Study Example

It is important for me to be familiar with some of these standards in order to understand information management needs for the future of the facilities, which will be introduced by implementing the strategic plan. Some of these standards include;

• LOINC; which stands for Logical Observations, Identifiers, Names, and Codes (Neuhaus, Polze & Chowdhuryy, 2011).

This is widely used in clinical laboratories for reporting lab results electronically. It comprises a list of codes set, with each code associated with a particular term, result, or product. Understanding this standard with its associated codes is vital in appreciating its use in conveying information electronically.

• HL7; which stands for Health Level 7(Neuhaus, Polze & Chowdhuryy, 2011).

This refers to a way of packaging data in such a way that the receiving computer understands precisely the nature of data that is coming in especially where data elements are received in an electronic file. It is normally used in a wide range of demographic data that may need to be exchanged or transferred across health care institutions. The use of this standard makes the transfer of information easy, fast, and secure.

• HTTPS; is a security standard.

It ensures that healthcare information, which is being transferred from one person to another, is utilized by the targeted person. This is supported by the 4A principle namely Authorization, Authentication, Access Control, and Audits.

• Clinical Guidelines Standards

This is a functionality, process, and workflow standard that defines how results and orders are processed. It is vital for me to comprehend these standards so that I may be able to appreciate the need to adhere to these guidelines.

Question 2

The goal of the database is to track and monitor whether the institution's patients are getting the service they deserve in the most efficient way. As such, reports from properly designed and installed databases should illuminate the guidelines and physician practices that result in a better outcome (Zeng, Reynolds & Sharp, 2009). In addition, they should identify physicians who require additional guidance and training in how to take care of their patients. As such, HIM professionals in the organizations should be trained thoroughly in areas such as;

• Defining elements of different raw data
• Fluency in the SQL command language for accessing databases
• Skills on how to normalize a given data
• Skills on end-user analysis, that is, they should be able to ascertain how the database meets the needs of the end-users. For instance, administrators may need to track the performance of the doctors while the doctors may want to track some vital signs from their patients.
• Skills on how to retrieve and report data
• Skills on how to use SQL to develop tables, queries, and forms
• Ability to undertake various joins and being aware of their results
• Skills on how to make an analysis of end-user workflow and put together the design of the database
• Skills on how to identify common failures in a database

HIM professionals require these skills since if the database is not well designed; the nature of reporting that is desired will not be achieved. A database that has not been properly designed may lead to the production of inaccurate results, wasted time and effort, and continuation of medical errors.

 Question 3

In order to ensure that HIM professionals remain up to speed with the changing global environment with regard to standards development, it is very important for them to remain in touch with the external environment (Zeng, Reynolds & Sharp, 2009). To begin with, there will be continuous training of these professionals on the new standards that are being developed or those which have been modified. This will ensure that they are able to ensure that these standards are adopted by the organization. However, any new development, which is being considered for adoption in the organization, should be properly embraced by all stakeholders. This will call for constant meetings with all stakeholders aimed at discussing any new standards that have been developed with the intention of adopting them.