Impact of IT on Healthcare Business - Benefits and Advantages of IT for MedAwere - Case Study Example

Impact of IT on Business Name Institution Course Date Impact of IT on Business Introduction Information Technology is growing to becoming an essential initiative for organisations that impacts the operations of a business (Zhao, 2008). Information Technology comes along with better productivity and higher performance in a business and organizations. Information Technology is defined as the application of computers and internet-based applications to store, recover, transfer and manipulate information. To be specific, Information Technology entails implementation of more sophisticated organizational internet-based procedures in carrying out various practices, external relations and organization in the workplace. One industry that has implemented information technology is the healthcare sector. MedAwere is among the health service provider companies that have benefited from information technology (MedAwere, 2016). This report will describe IT in healthcare and will highlight the importance of IT for MedAwere. In addition, the paper will highlight the requirements for IT implementation and the risks associated with the same. It will also describe how IT is used and how it is monitored and maintained in MedAwere. IT in Healthcare During the delivery of healthcare services, a lot of information is required. Information technology is used in different areas in healthcare companies (Kabene, 2010). For instance, there have been registries developments that can track patients with specific administrative or diagnosis claims. Record keeping is done electronically which entails demographics of patients, medication use, and treatment provided among others. In general, with the development of information technology, health information has become electronic. Patient handling, data storage, medicine prescription, marketing and transactions have all been simplified through IT integration (Mostashari, Tripathi and Kendall, 2009). Requirements for IT Implementation Implementing Information technology presents a challenge to the management. Before IT system can be functioning, there are a number of requirements which are outlined before. Planning Before implementing IT in business, it is important to plan for it for quicker and more comprehensively aligned process. The first step of IT implementation involves defining the required resources, equipment and installation process (Lee, 2012). Depending on the nature of business, IT implementation requires planning to suit the needs of the business and employees. IT implementation requires time and resources. The planning process should entail a detailed description of the equipment needed and the tasks to be accomplished using IT system (Lee, 2012). Designing Since technology creates vulnerabilities, there is a need to design the system well to ensure the security risks and other susceptibilities are taken care of (Ashurst, 2012). The design process should take into consideration the risks that accompany IT and define steps to be taken to ensure smooth running of technology even in an event of cyber-attacks, loss of internet connectivity, hack and power outrage (Ashurst, 2012). In general, Information Technology should be designed in such a way that account for vulnerabilities that may occur in future. Equipment There are some equipment required in order for Information Technology to be implemented (Ashurst, 2012). Equipment needed in IT implementation entails devices that play a critical role in the smooth running of technology. Without these devices, IT cannot be installed in a business. The equipment has a primary role in storing, displaying and transmitting data. Information Technology require both hardware and software devices in order to be functional (Ashurst, 2012). These may include servers, computers, Network HUBs, and other telecommunication equipment. Installation For Information Technology to be fully functioning, installation is required. All software and hardware devices should be configured in order to perform their work. Many companies hire external specialist who can do the installation of IT system (Kinsella, 2001). For instance, MedAwere has hired skilled technicians who handle its installation work and upgrade and replace IT equipment. Training The differences in IT success rates lie on the fact that some companies are doing a good job in training their employees. One major requirement of IT is training of employees. An organisation that emphasizes on training and development before IT implementation often leads to higher rates of success (Barrera et al., 2002). Training of employees makes them more skilled and knowledgeable and tend to handle IT work effectively. How MedAwere Use IT Big data has generated hype in MedAwere. The main reason why the company adopted IT was to take care of the big data. The company uses IT to handle data in the company. IT has simplified how the company handles data such as patient’ demographics and has enhanced quality delivery (MedAwere, 2016). In addition, MedAwere used IT as a centralized medical record to avoid duplication of treatment or medicine. It gives health providers an easy access to patient’s complete medical record. MedAwere has adapted the concept of e-prescribing with the help of IT implementation. E-prescription eliminates illegible penmanship, reduce paper work and eradicate staff time. The healthcare provider has simplified the work of the employees due to the use of IT (MedAwere, 2016). Communication between employees has become effective and clear. In addition, the company is able to reach larger customer base due to the use of IT in marketing. Benefits and Advantages of IT Revenue Information Technology has assisted companies to gain access to new customers in different regions and thus has driven sales as well as increase in revenue. Implementation of IT enables a company gain competitive advantage. Integration of IT in marketing assist companies reach large customer base which increase overall sales (Bak and Stair, 2011). Also, the use of technology ensures employees deliver quality products and services that are appreciated by the consumers which eventually lead to revenue increase. Flexibility Information Technology has also brought flexibility in MedAwere. The use of IT has made it very easy to make changes on the time, location as well as the manner in which employees operate(Bak and Stair, 2011). Data handling has been simplified and companies today can operate 24/7 and reaches customers across the globe. Information Technology enables companies to operate anytime and anywhere with convenience. IT has led to the creation of a flexible online and offline platform for business operations (Bak and Stair, 2011). Cost Reduction Information Technology has brought about cost effectiveness in healthcare industry (Fletcher, Bell and McNaughton, 2004). IT has helped in computerising business processes and activities which streamlines the company makes the activities cost effective. Computers have offloaded the burden of doing paper work and this has reduced the cost of operations for many businesses. It reduces the need for manual labour which brings cost saving benefits (Fletcher, Bell and McNaughton, 2004). Risk of IT on Business Security Although Information technology facilitates quicker and efficient data handling, it is faced with security risks. Information Technology is susceptible to security breaches especially when they can be accessed through the internet (Fletcher, Bell and McNaughton, 2004). It is susceptible to hackers who can illegally break into the IT system and access confidential information. Privacy Information technology has some implications on the accessibility and manipulation of data. IT offers a platform for a wider access to information (Bak and Stair, 2011). Therefore, it is very easy to access a business’s private information especially when the security measures are weak (Park, Yang and Lee, 2011). In the healthcare sector, the private and confidential information about patients can be accessible to unauthorized person through IT systems. How Healthcare can Maintain and Monitor IT MedAwere has come up with some strategies to ensure that it maintains and monitor its Information system in order to increase efficiency (Bak and Stair, 2011). For instance, the company has a daily monitoring schedule where the IT specialist carries out daily monitoring of the security hardware in order to mitigate security issues to avoid exploitation from intruders. MedAwere has hired engineers to ensure the IT hardware functions optimally. The engineers can identify and correct problems even before they escalate. In addition, the company has ensured that it protects its data (Lee, 2012). Date is considered the most important asset of any organisation. In order to protect data, MedAwere just like any other healthcare provider monitors the backup systems and resolve the issues that may arise. The company has also installed an anti-virus on its network. Anti-virus is able to ensure that the IT is protected from any malware and insecurities. In addition, the company has implemented the necessary security measures on the wireless network in order to ensure that it is invisible and inaccessible to outsiders. MedAwere ensures 24/7 monitoring of its Information Technology hardware and software (MedAwere, 2016). Conclusion In conclusion, Information technology is beneficial for the operation of businesses. Healthcare sector has reaped benefits from the same. MedAwere is among the health service provider companies that have benefited from information technology. IT is cost effective and offers flexibility to businesses. However, although it is accompanied by many benefits, it is associated with risks such as privacy and security issues. There are some requirements needed in order for IT to be function; they include planning, designing, installation, training and equipment. Without Information Technology, business operations will be difficult. IT has improved the quality of healthcare delivery in companies such as MedAwere. References Ashurst, C 2012, Benefits realization from information technology, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire New York, Palgrave Macmillan. Bak, O & Stair, N 2011, Impact of e-business technologies on public and private organizations industry comparisons and perspectives, Hershey, PA: Business Science Reference. Barrera, M., Jr., Glasgow, R. E., McKay, H. G., Boles, S & Feil, E 2002, Do Internet-based support interventions change perception support?: An experimental trial of approaches for supporting diabetes self-management. American Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 30, no. 1, p.11-22. Fletcher, R., Bell, J & McNaughton, R 2004, International e-business marketing, London, Thomson Learning. Kabene, S 2010, Healthcare and the effect of technology : developments, challenges and advancements, Hershey, PA., Medical Information Science Reference. Kinsella, A 2001, Managing technology. Telehealthcare under PPS: tools to make it work. Home Healthcare Nurse, vol. 19, no. 9, pp. 579-81. 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