The Impact of Technology in the Delivery of Healthcare Research Paper

The Impact of Technology in the Delivery of Healthcare - Research Paper Example Thus in 1998, The Committee on the Quality of Health Care in America, or CQHCA was established in order to develop plans to create substantial improvement in healthcare quality (IOM, 2001). A report released by the OIM contained the findings and recommendations of the committee, and it was mentioned that the committee gave emphasis on the support of meticulously and well-thought of designs in making the health care delivery system a lot more safer, much more effective, as well as being patient-centered, suitable to the patients’ needs, reasonable and competent (IOM, 2001). Both of the IOM reports showed how medicine and innovation can work together for better results, and it can be accomplished by the use of information technology. Using information technology as the means to implement changes in the health care industry means that the system would be upgraded to give better and more reliable results for both patients and health personnel (IOM, 2001). The main goals that were set by the CQHCA that utilize information technology were developed to address the following aspects of the health industry: Safety – there are evidences showing that automated order entry system can bring down the number of errors in drug prescription and dosage administration. Effectiveness – there are evidences showing automated reminder system improves the compliance rate with clinical protocols and guidelines. Patient-centered – information technology can be used to facilitate access to clinical information through Web sites and online support groups: and tailor fit health education as well as disease management information. Timely – IT can provide clinicians and patients timely information through Internet-based communication such as telemedicine and e-visits. Efficiency – clinical decision support system made possible by IT reduces the need for redundant laboratory tests. Equity – provision of broader range of options for interaction through Internet-based communication with clinicians to all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, geographical location, and socio-economic status. Electronic Health Records through Information Technology Electronic health record (EHR) is a system that is composed of electronic devices, computer programs, active users such as medical personnel and providers, support mechanisms, and other enhancements that not only document care, but also improves its provision (Amatayakul & Lazarus, 2005). It is a collection of health information of individual patients or of groups of people or a population that can be retrieved electronically from a closed system of programs. It may include the patient’s personal data such as age, weight, medical history, laboratory tests, and billing information. Overall, EHR is a clinician’s tool that manages various areas of patient care (Carter 2001). The most common computer systems and their functions in order to make electronic health records as efficient as possible are shown in table 1.