Follow 3×3 Rule. THREE PARAGRAPHS OF AT LEAST THREE SENTENCES EACH ONE, WITH AT LEAST TWO CITATIONS AND TWO REFERENCES NOT OLDER THAN 2015. APA STYLE. NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE. 1. You Have learned about health information technology (HIT) in this chapter. Give a few examples for the application of HIT in the clinical practice. Explain the main barriers of using HIT in the healthcare system.
Health information technology (HIT) plays a crucial role in transforming the clinical practice by improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. There are several examples of HIT applications in the clinical practice. One such example is the electronic health record (EHR) system, which enables healthcare providers to access and share patient information securely, promoting coordinated and efficient care (HealthIT.gov, n.d.). Another example is telemedicine, which uses HIT to deliver healthcare services remotely, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. Telemedicine has shown promising results in reducing healthcare costs and improving access to care, especially in rural areas (Kruse, Smith, & Stavrou, 2016).
Despite the potential benefits of HIT, there are several barriers to its widespread adoption and use in the healthcare system. One significant barrier is the cost associated with implementing HIT systems. The initial investment required for infrastructure, software, training, and maintenance can be substantial, especially for smaller organizations (Raghupathi & Raghupathi, 2014). Additionally, there may be ongoing costs associated with upgrades and staff training to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology.
Another barrier is the resistance to change from healthcare providers. The transition from paper-based systems to electronic systems requires changes in workflows and practices, which can be met with resistance and reluctance from healthcare professionals. This resistance can stem from concerns about decreased efficiency, increased workload, and potential disruption to established routines (Bowden & Coiera, 2013). It is essential to involve healthcare providers in the planning and implementation process to address their concerns and ensure their buy-in.
Interoperability and data sharing also present significant barriers to the effective use of HIT in the healthcare system. The fragmentation of healthcare systems and the lack of standardized data formats make it challenging to exchange information seamlessly between different systems and institutions (Kruse et al., 2016). As a result, healthcare providers may not have access to complete patient information, which can lead to fragmented and potentially inappropriate care. Establishing interoperability standards and implementing health information exchange networks are crucial steps toward overcoming this barrier.
In conclusion, HIT has a significant impact on the clinical practice, improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. Examples of HIT applications in the clinical practice include EHR systems and telemedicine. However, several barriers hinder the widespread adoption and use of HIT in the healthcare system. These barriers include the cost of implementation, resistance to change from healthcare providers, and the lack of interoperability and data sharing. Overcoming these barriers requires investments in infrastructure, addressing healthcare providers’ concerns, and establishing interoperability standards and data exchange networks.
References:
Bowden, T., & Coiera, E. (2013). Comparing the cognitive complexity of paper-based and computer-based medical records. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 20(e2), e283-e288.
HealthIT.gov. (n.d.). Electronic health records (EHRs). Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
Kruse, C. S., Smith, B., & Stavrou, E. (2016). Impact of electronic health record systems on telemedicine systems. Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(3), 194-202.
Raghupathi, W., & Raghupathi, V. (2014). Big data analytics in healthcare: Promise and potential. Health Information Science and Systems, 2(1), 3.