Evolution of Healthcare Information Systems - Essay Example

"Evolution of Healthcare Information System" is an outstanding example of a paper on the health system. Information systems just as the name suggests are systems that comprise of both people and computers among other information processing devices that help process and interpret information. In healthcare, information systems are vital since they influence service delivery thereby influencing the effectiveness of the healthcare services. Health care information systems just like any other technology have undergone immense changes over the decades owing to the advancements in technological inventions. Key among the changes in health care information systems was the invention of computers. Medical professionals have always recorded data. Data in the sector influences the quality and effectiveness of service delivery since they help monitor a patient thus enhancing the study of a particular disease. The invention of computer technology introduced the codification of data thereby enabling faster transfer, archiving, and processing of data. Computer technology has in turn undergone immense transformation within the last twenty years thereby influencing changes in healthcare information systems as the discussion below portrays.

In the 1970s, computers were small thus enabling their installation in respective departments within healthcare facilities. This helped resolve a prevailing problem at the time.  Better and efficient communication between departments coupled with discrete departments was overriding needs at the time. The small computers resolved this since health facilities began installing computers and small-scale information systems in respective departments. Every department within a healthcare facility such as clinical laboratory and pharmacy would create discrete databases to enhance their operations. In the 10980s, the technology advanced to accommodate the creation of diagnosis-related group databases. This way, health facilities used the technology to create functional databases to help overcome the need to exchange information in both treatments and medical researches. In addition, the decade experienced a surge in personal computers and non-traditional computer application software. Such products enhanced computer networking. It thus became possible for health facilities to begin creating centralized databases and exchange information efficiently.

The invention of better networking technologies in subsequent years influenced the development of healthcare information systems. Health facilities needed to consolidate their databases. Furthermore, the need to integrate service providers, hospitals, and managed care would later enhance the quality of health care services. Health facilities enjoyed robust networking applications that enhanced the integration of services and consolidation of databases. This made access to information contentious thereby enhancing service delivery in health care facilities throughout the world (Wager, Lee & Glaser, 2013). The introduction of integrated delivery networks (IDN) helped integrate data and reporting. Such inventions systematically enhanced the use of data in healthcare facilities. Data entry, processing, and access were increasingly becoming real-time with every invention.

Modern-day health care information systems enjoy efficient networks that enhance the exchange of information throughout the world. Artificial intelligence makes access and use of information real-time a feature that enhanced the commercialization of healthcare services. Such technologies as video conferencing among other similar applications make it possible for health facilities to share meager resources including human resources. Robots help in surgeries since they can access databases and process the information they obtain. The use of data in my place of work is systematic. Data entry, processing, and access are real-time owing to the existence of a centralized database.