Health Informatics - Article Example

Health Informatics Health Informatics Introduction Health informatics is the process of designing and adopting effective information based on the available innovative services. This enhances the provision of quality services in institutions through proper management of data and planning. The process focuses on resources that facilitate the optimization of stored, acquired and retrieved data in the health sector. Business analysis and relations to informatics and information Technology (IT)Business analysis is the systematic assessment of institutions’ operating units and performance over specified periods.

The scorecard process enables managers to establish the existing “Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, And Threats” (SWOT) in their institutions (Procter, 2009). It evaluates the environmental factors that affect internal and external business operations within the health sector. This aids in designing viable modalities of correcting possible complications that may affect performance (Procter, 2009). Effective business assessment is achievable through application of credible informatics ideals and information technology (IT) systems.

This explains the relationships between the concepts because IT enabled systems enhance the evaluation of business processes and provision of reliable results (Hayes & Aspray, 2010). This is useful in health institutions where assessment of performance may be difficult based on the data concerns. In such an environment, the use of IT enabled systems is paramount in enabling managers to perform effective business analysis. Opportunities in the area for health careAnalysis of operations is critical because healthcare focuses on delicate services that are provided based on guidelines.

Health administrators are answerable for evaluating their operations with the intent of establishing the quality of the services, data management and the use of modern equipments (Hayes & Aspray, 2010). The application of the IT and informatics seeks to expand nursing services to cover more patients and provide accurate and quality services. It will also develop vibrant health institutions that understand patient needs with proper storage of data. Types of data and how do they pose a challenge in data integration and interoperabilityOrganizations obtain, process, and store various types of data that focus on their daily operations and contribute to their performance (Procter, 2009).

The data may range from finances, supplies, customers’ and employee data. This information must be managed under set guidelines to ensure optimal confidentiality as ethically required. This is achievable through systematic data management procedures that are not interrupted (Lewis, 2005). Health institutions that manage patient data relating to lab report, medicine information, disease particulars and general health status of individuals should apply informatics ideals. This will ensure that data integration that posses immense challenges between departments is addressed.

Data interoperability has not been effective due to poor integration of IT systems. This poses a great challenge in ensuring effective patient data transfer between departments to speed up efficient delivery of services. Challenges that hinder the development of interoperable systemsIntegration of effective interoperable systems is crucial in facilitating proper management of business operations. However, several factors hinder its effective integration within various institutions. The lack of determination and proper planning by various stakeholders who seek to protect their interests compromises the implementation process of fundamental systems within institutions (Lewis, 2005).

Lack of adequate resources and standardization criteria for the systems integration also threatens the application of health informatics. The system requires immense resources during its acquisition and installation. Consequently, lack of trained personnel with the capacity of operating the IT enabled systems is a major problem that affects most institutions.ReferencesHayes, B. M., & Aspray, W. (2010). Health informatics: A patient-centered approach todiabetes. Cambridge, Mass: MIT PressLewis, D. (2005). Consumer health informatics: Informing consumers and improving healthcare.

New York, NY: SpringerProcter, R. (2009). Dr Serving the Information Needs of the Health Services ResearchRetrieved fromhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/hsrinfo/informatics.html