Hospital Information System: Informatics and Functions

Introduction to Hospital Information System

• A Hospital Information System (HIS) is a computer-based framework that facilitates communication of information within a hospital setting.
• It provides a centralized way to manage patient data and information, replacing traditional paper-based methods.

Problems Encountered with Traditional Methods

• Disadvantages and problems occur when handling data and information using paper-based systems.
• Recording patient details is not guaranteed, as data can be destroyed by fire or water.
• Data and information can be misplaced by staff.

Purpose of Hospital Information System

• The main objective of HIS is to manage patient data and information in a centralized way.
• It aims to provide better health services to patients with more accuracy.

Functions of Hospital Information System

• Make appointments with doctors online.
• Conduct online payments.
• Engage in live conversations with doctors regarding health topics.
• Manage staff and customer accounts within the information system.
• Upload and watch demo videos on sicknesses and relevant cures.

Advantages of Hospital Information System

• Reduces paper-based work to enter and store medical records.
• Reduces medical errors caused by inaccuracies and doctor handwriting.
• Reduces medical costs.
• Prevents retesting.
• Improves health quality.

Components of Hospital Information System

• Administrative and Financial Modules: includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, material management, payroll, and human resources.
• Admission/Discharge/Transfer Modules: provides information on patient records, identification numbers, bed availability, call lists, demographic data, and preadmission orders.
• Order Entry Module: allows doctors or nurses to enter clinical orders or prescriptions using terminals located in patient care areas.
• Result Reporting Module: provides notification of completed procedures, canceling a procedure, and reporting results.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

• A patient-centered system that includes all data documenting a person's health promotion and protection indicators, as well as illnesses.
• Supports patients, physicians, nurses, caregivers, pharmacies, local authorities, and accreditation and quality assurance agencies.

Requirements for EHR

• A physical network.
• An infrastructure to manage and regulate the structure.
• Standards for data interchange.
• A data model defining the objects to be transmitted.
• A common, clinically rich vocabulary.
• Processes for information gathering and collection.
• Appropriate security system.

Prerequisites for EHR

• Data Model: describes medical concepts that can be recorded in the electronic patient file and handled by the patient record system.
• Presentation Types: allows the manipulation, presentation, and communication of medical items.
• Communication: requires standardized protocols and an interpreter provides analysis, presentation, and communication of patient data.

Electronic Clinical Nursing Documentation

• Documentation: written evidence of all nursing activities, including interactions among healthcare team members, administration of assessments, procedures, treatments, and patient education.
• Evaluation of patient outcomes as part of the plan of care.

Characteristics of Electronic Clinical Nursing Documentation

• Standardization of clinical data and content.
• Data gathering and recording.
• Data and information retrieval and review.
• Handling intra-shift and interdepartmental communications.
• Elimination of redundancies and duplication in documentation.
• Enhancement of quality and reporting of clinical care.

How Hospital Information System Works

• Functions as an online system spanning across the relevant hospital network through the intranet.
• Database servers store information on medicines required to cure relevant sicknesses.
• Appointments to respective doctors are made online.
• Manages patients and payments records.
• Can be constantly updated for any necessary changes.

System Requirements

• Operational requirements: up-to-date factual information and necessary for day-to-day tasks.
• Planning requirements: short and long-term decisions about patient care, disaster recovery, and hospital management.
• Documentation requirements: maintenance of records, accreditation, and legal records.
• Hardware requirements: computer system, WI-FI router, switch, Ethernet cables, and a physical system server.
• Software requirements: database server, Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and Illustrator.