Using PCs to Advance Health Care
Using computers in the health care system can improve the quality and efficiency of care plus reduce its cost. However, adoption of computerized clinical information systems, lag behind use of PCs in most other sectors of the economy. Automated hospice information systems may improve quality of care due to their wide-ranging capacities. An example is the HELP system, one of the first information systems in a hospice to blend the usage of PCs for storing and transferring information with using them for giving recommendation to solve clinical problems. (These programs require a ton of computer memory, which can be the only down fall, when you need information really fast. They must make sure the computer is updated before installing the larger programs.) As well as alerting consultants to abnormal and changing clinical issues, computers can also generate reminders for physicians. For complex problems, PC workstations can integrate research plans, knowledge databases and patient records. Computers and databases may be employed to compare anticipated results with exact results and to help doctors make important decisions. The lives of patients can be improved if they use PC systems to get information, make difficult decisions, and contact other doctors and support groups. And best of all using PCs in the health care system leads to decreased costs. When a physician orders a test through the computer, it can mechanically display information that promotes inexpensive testing and treatment. The much vaunted information superhighway is anticipated to improve the standard of life for all Americans. The nation’s information infrastructure is composed of both existing systems and technologies and others still to emerge, all linked nationwide. Each part of the economy, including health care, will be influenced. A completely working nationwide system will allow the straightforward yet protected exchange of information among nurses, doctors, surgery departments, consumers, analysts and insurers. Northern Americans will benefit from without delay (direct access to patient records) and indirectly (research). Improving the standard of care thru the utilization of computerized medical information systems must not override the necessity to protect individual rights to privacy. Powerful guarantees must protect confidentiality. Supplier rights, patient rights and other concerns are being addressed to prevent inadvertent notification or adjustment of computerized medical records.