Hardware Associated with Electronic Health Record Systems - Assignment Example

? Storage, Input Output (I/O), Network, and Other Hardware Associated With Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems Introduction Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a growing concern in the area of information technology (IT). EHR is duly regarded as an efficient technology which helps in methodical collection and process of health information in a digital way. The various activities of EHR mainly occur through interconnected network and incorporation of input/output as well as hardware. In this regard, mind map is the best way to describe different aspects such as storage system, input/output, network and other associated applications with respect to EHR by a certain extent (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d.). Creation of the Mind Map Four key aspects namely system input along with output, central server, network and software can be related with respect to EHR. These aspects eventually reflect the capability of EHR and also the performance of the system. The following demonstration will show the mind map of EHR. Elaboration or Explanation of the Aforesaid Aspects of Mind Map Hardware The key hardware aspects of EHR generally include server, input/output tools, database/information management system and network. These aspects have been elaborated or explained hereunder. Server: Most of the EHR systems that are inherent in the healthcare practices generally use a central computer system which is also termed as central server. This type of EHR is also known as client/server model wherein the users must have sufficient technical knowledge in order to run the system efficiently. In present days concerning the development of high-speed internet connection, this model of EHR has become quite popular where the performance of the system fundamentally depends on a central computer based system, accommodated by a hosting organisation, particularly the EHR dealer. The key aspects of central server in EHR system are that: It contains important records It acts as a backup or information preservation system for EHR and It can pair with other servers (Carter, 2008). Input: Data input is a key aspect in EHR. Apart from using keyboard and mouse as effective methods of data input, EHR system also use other input devices such as pen and voice oriented input system. In this regard, pen oriented input system depends on a device which can be utilised similar to mouse. In pen oriented input system, it is the electronic ink which helps to interpret the input and convert it as text before storing in the EHR system. However, the success of this input system depends on the amount of information that needs to be entered. Voice recognition technology has also developed considerably in recent days. This input system can handle constant speech with fairly few mistakes. However, this input system has yet to be widely adopted as EHR data input device. Output: The output of EHR system can appear in several forms such as through Billing information Statistics Images Laboratory test results Vaccination status Medical history (World Health Organisation, 2006). The digitisation of information through EHR helps to provide requisite information for follow-up process and also facilitates sharing of valuable information through various networks. Database/Information Management System: Databases can be duly considered as the other key technological aspect of every EHR system. It can store information through texts and pictures or as distinct items i.e. through documents. The contemporary database or information management system can hold billions of data items and can also manage considerable number of transactions. A particular database can exist in a single computer system i.e. in a central server or multiple computer systems i.e. in workstations. There are several database programs that help to provide several functions that are required for manipulating precious information such as creation of database, reporting and designing database among others (Lu & Su, 2010). Network: There are several networked instruments that act as connectors between various workstations for EHR system such as Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless network and internet. LAN is a group of network wherein computer systems are linked with each other for the purpose of communicating and sharing valuable information. This particular technology can make the workstations much effective as it allows “build-it-as-you-need-it” method to acquire and install relevant hardware and software. The main computer of LAN is denoted as server (Carter, 2008). Similar to LAN, wireless network also transforms the networking of workstations in an effective manner. Wireless system mainly depends on radio transmission frequency in order to interact between diverse workstations. A key aspect of wireless network is that in this system the users are not required to tie on one specific location. It is worth mentioning that wireless technology can generate security risks to the EHR system, if not arranged in a proper manner. Conversely, Internet technology also provides cost-effective way for sharing information in the workstations of EHR system. The applications designed for the use of internet protocol can be open for the recipients facilitating greater access of certain information with service providers through intranet (Carter, 2008). Software There lay several database applications that aid in facilitating the interaction of EHR system with the users. The key aspects that need to be taken into concern in this regard within the EHR system are: Simplicity Secure (i.e. firewalled) Authenticated (i.e. password protected) Scalability (i.e. can deal with any amount of information) Effective (i.e. good at managing memory) and Capable of supporting different graphic user interfaces Specially mentioning, there lays the presence of several customised software that can be used in database/information management system. Furthermore, different networks can be used for developing an effectual interface between the software through use of LAN, wireless network and internet (Medpac, 2004). Security Maintaining information security stored in the EHR system is of extreme important. The user authentication is used for standard mechanism of security, wherein the access of information is restricted through the execution of passwords. User authentication is quite effective if secured in a proper manner. For instance, fingerprint, voice and face recognition systems can be used as user authentication in EHR system. Apart from user authentication, firewall can also be used for additional level of security in the EHR system (Scarfone & Souppaya, n.d.). Conclusion In order to make sure proper functionality of EHR system, there are certain other vital aspects that must be considered such as the interoperability of the system. EHR system ought to be capable of conducting efficient interchange records. It can be affirmed that proper education and training might help in enhancing the effectiveness of EHR system in different organisations. References Carter, J. H. (2008). Electronic health records: a guide for clinicians and administrators. United States: ACP Press. Lu, Z., & Su, J. (2010). Clinical data management: Current status, challenges, and future directions from industry perspectives. Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials, pp. 93-105. Medpac. (2004). Information technology in health care. Report to the Congress: New Approaches in Medicare, pp. 157-181. Scarfone, K., & Souppaya, M. (n.d.). Guide to enterprise password management (draft). Retrieved from http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/drafts/800-118/draft-sp800-118.pdf U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Privacy, security, and electronic health records. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/privacy-security-electronic-records.pdf World Health Organisation. (2006). Electronic health records: manual for developing countries. Retrieved from http://www.wpro.who.int/publications/docs/EHRmanual.pdf Read More