Computer Systems Components Quiz

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) vs. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

• EMR focuses on the digital representation of patient records within a single healthcare organization or practice.
• EHR encompasses a broader view, aiming to provide a comprehensive digital record of a patient's health information across different healthcare settings and organizations.
• EMR is confined to internal use within a specific healthcare entity, whereas EHR allows seamless sharing of patient data among various healthcare providers.

EMR vs. EHR Accessibility

• EMR is accessible within the organization, limiting data availability to that specific healthcare provider.
• EHR enables authorized healthcare professionals to remotely access patient information from various locations and healthcare facilities.

EMR vs. EHR Patient Engagement

• EMR is mainly used by healthcare providers, with limited patient engagement in accessing or contributing to their records.
• EHR promotes patient engagement through health information access, communication with healthcare providers, and active participation in care.

EMR vs. EHR Data Scope

• EMR focuses on clinical data related to a patient's medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and medications within a specific healthcare setting.
• EHR encompasses diverse health data, beyond clinical encounters, covering patient demographics, insurance details, lab results, and lifestyle factors.

EMR vs. EHR Purpose

• EMR is geared towards the internal workflows and needs of a particular healthcare institution.
• EHR fosters care continuity by facilitating information exchange across healthcare organizations, enhancing a holistic patient health perspective.

Sample Physician Order

• An example of a physician order includes anesthesia post-op orders, medication administration, and monitoring instructions.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

• HIMSS is the healthcare industry's membership organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of healthcare information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare.

Computer System Components

• A computer system includes hardware, software, and data necessary to make the computer function.
• The basic operational design of a computer system is called its architecture.
• A typical computer system has three major components: the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output (I/O).

CPU Components

• The CPU consists of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, and control unit.
• The ALU performs calculations and logical operations.
• Registers are special memory locations for temporary data storage.
• The control unit manages instructions and data flow between components.

Input/Output Devices

• Input devices: keyboard, mouse, trackball, touch screen, microphone, barcode reader, fax modem card, joystick, and scanner.
• Output devices: video monitor screens, printers, speakers, and fax.

Primary Memory

• Primary memory is the storage area where program instructions (code) reside during execution.
• Read-only memory (ROM) is permanent and retains data when the power is off.
• Random access memory (RAM) is a temporary storage area for program instructions and data being processed.

Secondary Storage

• Secondary storage provides space to retain data in an area separate from the computer's memory after the computer is turned off.
• Examples include hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, zip drives, optical drives, flash memory, and CD-ROM drives.

Network

• A network is a combination of hardware and software that allows communication and electronic transfer of information between computers.
• Hardware may be connected permanently by wire (Ethernet) or temporarily by wireless communication and modems/telephone lines.
• Networks enable sharing of computer and software resources among users.

Computer Types

• Super computers: the largest and most expensive, capable of performing billions of instructions per second.
• Mainframes: large computers capable of processing several millions of instructions per second, supporting organizational functions.
• Minicomputers: a scaled-down version of the mainframe, found in hospitals and HMOs.
• Microcomputers (PCs): inexpensive processing power for individual users.
• Laptop or Notebook, Handheld, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): portable devices for use anywhere.