Information Systems in the Healthcare System

Introduction

Information technology is a subject that has drawn a lot of interest from various stakeholders in the healthcare system. Emerging issues in the healthcare system have prompted the introduction of information system to facilitate the processes in the healthcare system. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is one of the systems that have been integrated in healthcare to help keep patients’ data secure. Cloud computing has taken a place ensuring that health records is accessible anywhere anytime while ensuring data privacy and security. Various articles have delved into explaining the integration of Information Technology (IT) in the healthcare system.

Summary

“The foundations of technology course”, In contrast to Johnny Moyer delves into the topic of the relatively low levels of technological literacy in the United States (US). The article addresses the lack of literacy regarding technology in America. According to Moyer the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) is helping in the advancement of technology and science teaching in various institutions. He asserts that the National Model developed by the Association supports learning and working environments to ensure the United States gets the best technological ideas. [1] The basics relate to the technological ethics and the benefits of embracing it in daily programs. It undeniable that the article helps in bringing the understanding of the need to adopt technology to homes, learning institutions, and workplaces.

In reference to Colet Bartow, “How One State Established Schools Library/ Technology Standards”. The aspect of the establishing technology standards is a priority is outlined by Montana in the year 2000. By then, the Montana Board of Public Education (BPE) felt the urge of revisiting the standards to fill the gap towards the national standards. During the revision, there was the establishment of the Library Media and the Technology Content Standards (LMTCS) needed for making clear in both concepts and language while being accurate regarding grade levels. [2] 

Further, Johnson et al in the article "The 2009 horizon report: K." identifies and describes emerging technological issues and their impacts on research, learning, teaching, and technology-based creativity. The authors predict the time frame and setting for the broad spread and acceptance of the technology in healthcare. While Johnson et al discuss in the "The 2009 horizon report: K.", another article by Dinah et al "A survey of mobile cloud computing” begins by briefly outlining the first advancement of cloud computing. [3] It gives the definition, importance, and insignificance of the technology based on cloud computing. The authors of "A survey of mobile cloud computing” clearly defines cloud computing as the practice that uses a particular network relating to remote servers.

It usually hosted over the internet for storage, processing data, and management rather than using a personal computer or local server. In addition, the article "A survey of mobile cloud computing” also covers the various services delivered through the cloud like printing and document sharing among others. Dinah et al admits that cloud computing becomes necessary in that it creates virtual storage for varied software, documents and information. According to the authors, cloud computing is allowing both internet security and mobile storage where one can access information anytime.[4]

Bates, David, and Asif Baton admit that in order for the patient-centered medication to become successful there is need to work on the EHRs strengths and program areas that require improvement to wholly gratify patient needs. The authors further say that to realize the full potential of EHRs, one of the fundamental growth areas is the addition of real-time communication ability among several healthcare providers which is facilitated by cloud computing as noted by Dinah et al. The EHRs system reduces the costs of healthcare among the patients hence the realizable benefits. [5] It is however noticeable that "The future of health information technology in the patient-centered medical home." article lacks empirical evidence to support the improvement of its conclusions thus "The Health IT Regional Allowance Center Program” article authored by Lynch et al provides a more practical view of EHRs.

Lynch et al in the article provides a broad overview regarding Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act that was passed in 2009. According to the article, the HITECH supports interoperable, national, private as well as secure electronic systems of health information. [6] The ultimate goal according to the authors is to provide improved health care to the Americans. The act accentuates meaningful use of EHR (Electronic Health Records). It means the use of the EHRs improves efficiency, quality and safety of healthcare. There is the promotion of public health ensuring data privacy and security.