Lesson 5 - HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM PDF

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HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM...

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LESSON 5: HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS Health informatics is the application of both technology and systems in a health care setting. Health information technology focuses on tools, health information systems cover the records, coding, documentation, and administration of patient and ancillary services. Concerns about the cost and quality of health care are among the motivating factors why health information systems are increasingly implemented across health industries all over the world. The combination of elements in a health information system enables the provision of more efficient effective health care services. The components of a health information system are correlated and translated into harmonious operations. The health information systems (HIS) cover different systems that capture, store, manage, and transmit health-related information that can be sourced from individuals or activities of a health institution. These include disease surveillance systems, district level routine information systems, hospital patient administration systems (PAS), human resource management information systems (HRMIS), and laboratory information systems (LIS). The information collected from a well-functioning HIS is very useful in policymaking and decision making of health institutions and becomes the basis in creating program action. This translates to efficient resource allocation at the policy level, and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of health at the delivery level. HIS should be sustainable, user-friendly, and economical. Health care personnel should be educated on the use of the routine data collected from the system and the significance of good quality data in improving health (Pacific Health Information Network, 2016). ROLE AND FUNCTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS Sheahan (2017) defines health information systems (HIS) as a mechanism which keeps track of all data related to the patient such as patient’s medical history, contact information, medication logs, appointment schedule, insurance information, and financial account including billing and payment. The roles that a well-implemented HIS can perform in improving health services are as follows: 1.) Easier access to files - The systems have revolutionized the collection and management of patient information. The need for a hardcopy of the patient’s medical record becomes optional as the systems are electronic. 2.) Better control - Only authorized personnel can have access information on the patient’s health. Doctors may be given permission to update patient information while a receptionist may only have the authority to update a patient’s appointments. 3.) Easier update - After creation of the record, patient information can be accessed and reviewed any time and copies can be printed or released to the patient upon request.

4.) Improved communications - HIS assists communication among doctors and hospitals. However, medical professionals must adhere to regulations on patient privacy and security to ensure that information is kept confidential and safe from unauthorized access. A good health information system delivers accurate information in a timely manner, enabling decision-makers to make informed choices about the different aspects of the health institution, from patient care to annual budgets. It also upholds transparency and accountability due to easier access to information. COMPONENTS OF HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS The Health Metrics Network (HMN), in its Framework and Standards for Country Health Information Systems (2008), defines health information systems as consisting of six components: 1.) Health information systems resources - These include the framework on legislation, regulation, planning, and the resources required for the system to be fully functional (e.g. personnel, logistics, support, financing, ICT, and the component’s coordinating mechanism) 2.) Indicators - The basis of the HIS plan and strategy includes indicators and related targets such as the determinants of health; health system inputs, outputs, and outcomes; and the health status. 3.) Data Sources - Date sources are divided into two main categories: (1) population-based approaches such as civil registration, censuses, and population surveys and (2) institution-based data such as individual records, resource needs, and service records. Occasional health surveys, research, and information produced by community-based organizations may not be directly classified under the main categories, but they may provide useful information. 4.) Data management - Data management refers to the handling of data, starting from collection and storage to data flow and quality assurance, processing, compilation, and data analysis. 5.) Information products - Data is transformed into useful information that serves as evidence and provides insight crucial to shaping a health action. 6.) Dissemination and use - HIS enhances the value of health information by making it readily available to policymakers and data users. These six components of health information systems can be categorized into inputs, processes, and outputs. Inputs refer to the health information system resources. These resources include health, institutional coordinations and leadership, health information policies, financial and human resources, and infrastructures.

The indicators, data sources, and data management form the process in HIS. Core indicators are needed as bases for program planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Population-and institution-based sources are also essential for decision-making as they provide guide to health service delivery. Importantly, these data must be accessible and understandable by users and policymakers. Outputs refer to the transformation of data into information that can be used for decisionmaking and to the dissemination and use of such information. DIFFERENT DATA SOURCES FOR HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS Donaldson and Lohr (1994) explain that a comprehensive database for health information systems include the following: 1.) Demographic Data - Refers to the facts about the patient which include age and birthdate, gender, marital status, address to residence, race, and ethnic origin. Information on educational background and employment is also recorded along with information on immediate family members to be contacted during emergency. 2.) Administrative Data - Includes information on services such as diagnostic tests or out-patient procedures, kind of practitioner, physician’s specialty, nature of institution, and charges and payments. 3.) Health risk information - Records the lifestyle and behavior (e.g., use of tobacco products or engagement in strenuous activities) of a patient and facts about his or her family’s medical history and other genetic factors. This information is used to evaluate the patient’s propensity for different diseases. 4.) Health status - Refers to the quality of life that a patient leads which is crucial to his or her health. This shows the domains of health which include physical functioning, mental and emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and social functioning. It also shows one’s perception of his or her health in comparison with that of his or her peers. 5.) Patient Medical History - Gives information on past medical encounters like hospital admissions, pregnancies and live births, surgical procedures, and the like. It also includes previous illnesses and family history (e.g. alcoholism or parental divorce) 6.) Current medical management - reflects the patient’s health screening sessions, diagnoses, allergies (especially on medications), current health problems, medications, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, laboratory test, and counseling on health problems. 7.) Outcomes Data - Presents the measures of aftereffects on health care and of various health problems. These data usually show the health care events (e.g., readmission to the hospital, unexpected complications or side effects) and measures of satisfaction with care. Outcomes directly reported by the patient after treatment will be most useful....