Information Technology in Healthcare - Essay Example

Information Technology in Healthcare Background Through the 1980s, imaging studies were done and stored in papers and films. The subsequent decade saw an implementation of Radiology Information Systems (RIS) to support patient registration, billing, orders and reporting of findings. More recently, Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) have since replaced traditional films1. Definition of EHR and PACS Electronic Health Record (EHR) refers to a digital version of paper-based charts. Unlike paperwork, this technology provides an instant access to all patients’ information2. PACS, on the other hand, refers to a system of computer network that allows storage, display and sharing of digital images. It is used in radiology department as a perfect replacement of film technology. X-ray Imaging using EHR and PACS Obtaining images of X-ray from Radiology Information System (RIS) a component of eHealth requires access to the site. An x-ray taken today can be shared and deliberated as soon as it is available electronically. To obtain x-ray image from PACS, a client of physician should have correct credentials for the search. Firstly, the client establishes network connection with PACS server. Second step involves preparing C-MOVE or C-GET request message through filling C-MOVE requisition, which should be matched with those in the server. The request is sent and a feedback is given in a list of DICOM attributes. From the feedback, the client extract images3. Often takes approximately less than 10 minutes depending on the network strengths. The major errors encountered when getting images from EHR includes patient identification errors. These errors occur as a result of incorrect information is used to link an individual to an action. It causes a mismatch between patient and the care plan. Another error occurs during patient journey, and as a result repetition of images may occur. Lastly, the flow of patient identification mismatch occurs at the initial stage of data entry. When using PACs, the common errors is the hanging protocol display, which causes retrieving of images to take unnecessarily longer4. Since the images are not organized by default, identification and processing of images may result in misalignment, which is a potential error. Poor images integration due to lack of good interoperability between PACS and advanced visualization systems. The need to have electronic health records arise from the extensive use of modern technology in patient management. It offers a safer, better and accurate mode of data storage, thus eliminating the need to have paperwork5. Besides, it is easy to retrieve any information about patient because the digital search is possible. Similarly, PACS technology offers a unique platform of storing and sharing imaging reports in electronic form. It does not only preserve the accuracy of the report but also allow physicians and radiologist to share information6. As the world moves towards technology age, medicine should also be transformed. Also, it offers an opportunity for modernization of health systems, a commitment that many governments across the globe have made. Advantages of EHR It offers a quicker access to patients’ records; this allows for speedy attendance. Secondly, allows physicians to share information regarding the patients. Thirdly, it is less cumbersome as compared to paper records. Besides, it provides an evidence-based tool that aid in decision-making in patient care7. Lastly, like any other technology it streamline and automate workflow, thus saving time. Disadvantages It is prone to system breakdown, and this can greatly slow down healthcare delivery. Secondly, it requires adequate initial investment on infrastructure. This makes it difficult to implement in resource-deprived settings. Thirdly, it poses threats to basic ethics of confidentiality8. While the system allows information sharing, the extent to which it is shared remains controversial. Advantages of PACS The technology allows sharing of imaging studies between radiologists and physicians. Consultation on controversial studies can be made and even deliberated by different specialists. This builds collaboration and improves patient care. Secondly, it is faster than film technology thus saves time. Besides, the technology acts as a storage system. It makes it possible to retrieve any previous imaging reports. Lastly, reduces liability caused by filling errors9. Disadvantages The system is prone to system lapses. It requires substantial capital, which may not be readily available. In addition, it poses confidentiality risk and privacy issues. The patient may not be necessary determine who access the information. With the use of advanced imaging and information technology, three fundamental factors arises. Time consumed retrieving the images from the system, cost of operation and common errors. Both the EHR ad PACS provides a quicker way of retrieving and even sharing information. The PACS systems stores all the imaging records and its retrieval is quite is quicker as compared to analog films. Initial cost of installing these machines and operating software in both EHR and PACS is usually high. However, the operating coast, once it is in place, is relative. This replaces substantially labor force that would be needed in an analog system. One of the common errors to both the EHR and PACS is system crashing10. This can be costly and may cause unnecessary time wastage. Reference List 1. Aldosari, Bakheet. 2012. “User Acceptance of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in a Saudi Arabian Hospital Radiology Department.” BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making. doi:10.1186/1472-6947-12-44 2. Caligtan, Christine A., and Patricia C. Dykes. 2011. “Electronic Health Records and Personal Health Records.” Seminars in Oncology Nursing 27 (3): 218–28. doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2011.04.007 3. DesRoches, Catherine M., Eric G. Campbell, Christine Vogeli, Jie Zheng, Sowmya R. Rao, Alexandra E. Shields, Karen Donelan, Sara Rosenbaum, Steffanie J. Bristol, and Ashish K. Jha. 2010. “Electronic Health Records’ Limited Successes Suggest More Targeted Uses.” Health Affairs 29 (4): 639–46. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2009.1086. 4. Chen, James, John Bradshaw, and Paul Nagy. 2011. “Has the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Become a Commodity?” Journal of Digital Imaging 24 (1): 6–10. doi:10.1007/s10278-010-9299-0 5. Ramakrishnan, Naren, David Hanauer, and Benjamin Keller. 2010. “Mining Electronic Health Records.” Computer 43 (10): 77–81. doi:10.1109/MC.2010.292. 6. Hripcsak, G., and D. J. Albers. 2012. “Next-Generation Phenotyping of Electronic Health Records.” Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. doi:10.1136/amiajnl-2012-001145 7. Langer, Steve. 2009. “Issues Surrounding PACS Archiving to External, Third-Party DICOM Archives.” Journal of Digital Imaging 22 (1): 48–52. doi:10.1007/s10278-008-9125-0. 8. Carlin, Leslie, Helen Smith, Flis Henwood, Steve Flowers, Andrea Jones, Rebecca Prentice, and Ken Miles. 2010. “Double Vision: An Exploration of Radiologists’ and General Practitioners Views on Using Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).” Health Informatics Journal 16 (2): 75–86. doi:10.1177/1460458210361935.  Read More