Health Care Roles And IT Implementation
Give an example of an IT structure and function. Explain how IT could be implemented, given the various roles within the healthcare industry.
Identify one health information technology advancement in the last decade that had an impact on human services and is not mentioned in the readings. Describe that impact and how it improved the delivery of the service.
Why is it important to track client encounters? What information must be tracked in a client encounter? Identify one software application that can help track client encounters and explain how using the application could improve service delivery.
Describe how technology can be used to increase client accessibility to services. Provide an example of a technology that achieved this. Over the last few years, the opportunities to get your message out to consumers have changed significantly; and many forms of social media have exploded onto the scene.
In addition to traditional media methods, why is it important to use social media in reaching out to healthcare consumers?
Sample Solution
IT Structure and Function in Healthcare:
Example: A large hospital might have:
- Central IT department: Manages servers, networks, security, and data governance.
- Clinical IT department: Supports electronic health records (EHRs), clinical applications, and medical devices.
- Non-clinical IT department: Supports administrative systems, financial systems, and communication infrastructure.
Full Answer Section
Roles:- Chief Information Officer (CIO): Oversees all IT operations and strategy.
- System administrators: Maintain and troubleshoot technology infrastructure.
- Security analysts: Monitor for and prevent cyberattacks.
- Clinical informaticists: Ensure EHRs and other clinical applications meet patient care needs.
- Application developers: Create and maintain custom software solutions.
- Provides data for billing and reimbursement.
- Tracks patient progress and outcomes.
- Identifies areas for improvement in service delivery.
- Date and time of encounter.
- Client demographics.
- Service provided.
- Diagnosis or problem addressed.
- Treatment plan.
- Follow-up instructions.
- Electronic Client Tracking System (ECTS): Captures encounter data electronically, streamlining recordkeeping and analysis. Improves care coordination by sharing information with other providers.
- Example: Mobile apps like Zocdoc allow patients to schedule appointments, access medical records, and communicate with providers anytime, anywhere. This caters to busy schedules and improves convenience for patients.
- Connects with patients where they are.
- Provides health information and updates in an engaging format.
- Builds trust and relationships with potential clients.
- Promotes preventive care and healthy habits.