Essay Example on Health Information Technology (HIT): Maximizing Quality Improvement

Health Information Technology (HIT) refers to the is information knowledge applied in healthcare and health (Karahanna et al., 2019). The technology works towards improving the management of health information mostly handled through the use of computer systems in ensuring a secured exchange platform of health information between payers, consumers, and those who oversee the quality of services within the field. Thus, HIT aids in supporting the quality improvement process since it is associated with a lot of benefits and potentials.

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HIT creates a conducive environment for the rapid sharing of information; the patient's test results can be easily added on the HER. The data can then be made accessible to the targeted healthcare provider hence allowing for regular updates of the patient's health records (Karahanna et al., 2019). Moreover, health care providers can transmit test results to the patients electronically at their convenience without necessarily waiting for the doctors to give them the information physically.

Nonetheless, Health Information Technology makes the prescription process more accurate and fast. The E-prescribing systems send prescription requests to the pharmacy automatically, thus saving time for the patients (Mackert et al., 2016). Also, E-prescribing suppresses the chances of medication errors, often resulting from poorly written or spelled paper prescriptions.

Furthermore, HIT reduces the paperwork within the healthcare facility; the health information regarding a given patient can be filled electronically and shared within the healthcare departments efficiently. This saves the patient from having to answer and describe their medical complications on paper forms (Mackert et al., 2016).

According to Smeaton et al., (2017), the Healthcare Information Technology has its shortcomings which include high costs of operations. A sophisticated technology generally translates to being expensive. The high costs are incurred in various stages, which entail the buying of the computers, hiring competent personnel with the knowledge of operating the software and offering training to the current employees who do not possess the necessary knowledge of running the software.

Moreover, the HIT is highly susceptible to hacking by network hackers. The act may lead to a massive breach in the privacy of the patient's health information and medical history, which are supposed to be regarded as being highly confidential (Smeaton et al., 2017). The network hackers are still able to find their way into the systems regardless of the stringent security protocols by the healthcare providers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HIT is generally an active program in enhancing how information is handled and stored for future reference and sharing within the health sector. Undoubtedly, HIT has several benefits to both the patients and the health care providers. However, there exist severe concerns in the HIT, particularly touching on matters privacy, which calls for prompt interventions.

References

Karahanna, E., Chen, A., Liu, Q. B., & Serrano, C. (2019). Capitalizing on health information technology to enable digital advantage in US hospitals. MIS Quarterly, 43(1), 113-140.

Mackert, M., Mabry-Flynn, A., Champlin, S., Donovan, E. E., & Pounders, K. (2016). Health literacy and health information technology adoption: the potential for a new digital divide. Journal of medical Internet research, 18(10), e264.

Smeaton, K., Bruce, C. S., Hughes, H., & Davis, K. (2017). The Online Life of Individuals Experiencing Socioeconomic Disadvantage: How Do They Experience Information?. Information Research: An International Electronic Journal, 22(3), n3.