Identify a health information technology system, explain how it improves healthcare outcomes. Identify the organization you work for uses this system. · Respond to discussion question in Moodle by week 3 · At least 400 words· At least 3 references within 5 years (APA style ) Purchase the answer to view it
As an informed student in the field of health information technology (HIT), I will discuss how a specific HIT system improves healthcare outcomes. One prominent example of such a system is the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. EHR is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart that includes all their medical and treatment history.
The implementation of EHR systems has been shown to improve healthcare outcomes in several ways. One of the key benefits is the improvement in patient safety. EHR systems include features such as medication reconciliation, decision support systems, and barcode scanning. These features help reduce medication errors and adverse drug reactions, which are significant contributors to patient harm and increased healthcare costs. For example, the decision support systems can alert healthcare providers to potential drug interactions or contraindications, enabling them to make better-informed decisions. In a study conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that hospitals with advanced EHR systems reduced medication errors by 55%, promoting safer patient care.
Furthermore, EHR systems have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing care coordination. Through EHR, healthcare providers can access a patient’s complete medical record, allowing for better continuity and collaboration among different healthcare settings. This accessibility enables healthcare professionals to make informed decisions promptly, leading to improved patient outcomes. In a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, it was found that primary care physicians using EHR systems were more likely to complete critical tasks, such as ordering preventive services or making follow-up appointments, resulting in improved quality of care.
Another significant advantage of EHR systems is the enhancement of clinical decision-making. EHR systems provide real-time access to comprehensive patient data, including previous diagnoses, test results, and treatment plans. This availability of information greatly aids healthcare providers in making accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate treatment plans. Studies have shown that EHR systems contribute to better disease management and improved clinical outcomes. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that EHR systems improved outcomes for patients with diabetes by providing reminders for necessary tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.
The organization I work for, XYZ Hospital, utilizes the Epic EHR system to improve healthcare outcomes and provide better patient care. Epic is one of the leading EHR systems in the healthcare industry, known for its extensive functionality and interoperability. By implementing Epic, XYZ Hospital has seen significant improvements in patient safety, care coordination, and clinical decision-making.
With the Epic EHR system, XYZ Hospital has achieved a substantial reduction in medication errors. The system provides robust medication reconciliation features, ensuring accurate and up-to-date medication information for each patient. Additionally, Epic’s decision support system alerts healthcare providers to potential medication interactions, allergies, and contraindications, preventing medication errors before they occur. These functionalities have paved the way for safer medication administration and improved patient outcomes.
XYZ Hospital has also benefited from Epic’s care coordination capabilities. With the EHR system, healthcare providers can access patient records seamlessly, regardless of the setting or department. This accessibility enables effective collaboration among different healthcare professionals, ensuring that each patient receives coordinated and comprehensive care. Furthermore, Epic’s integrated messaging system allows for efficient communication between healthcare providers, promoting timely interventions and reducing unnecessary delays.
In terms of clinical decision-making, Epic’s comprehensive patient data repository has proven invaluable for XYZ Hospital. Healthcare providers can access a patient’s complete medical history, including imaging results, lab tests, and previous treatments. This comprehensive view enables accurate diagnoses and ensures that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Furthermore, Epic’s clinical decision support tools, such as order sets and clinical guidelines, assist healthcare providers in making evidence-based treatment decisions. The integration of these tools enhances clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction at XYZ Hospital.
In conclusion, the implementation of EHR systems, such as Epic, has significantly improved healthcare outcomes. These systems contribute to patient safety by reducing medication errors and adverse drug reactions. They enhance care coordination by providing seamless access to patient records and promoting collaboration among healthcare professionals. Moreover, EHR systems enhance clinical decision-making by providing real-time access to comprehensive patient data and evidence-based decision support tools. The use of the Epic EHR system at XYZ Hospital has resulted in tangible improvements in patient safety, care coordination, and clinical decision-making.