Pros and Cons of Healthcare Information Technology

Pros and Cons of Healthcare Information Technology

HCA 500

In about 20 years ago, people defined that information systems can improve cost control, increase the timeliness and accuracy of patient care and administration information, increase service capacity, reduce personnel costs and inventory levels, and improve the quality of patient care. However, experience shows that most of these benefits will barely occur automatically following system implementation. Operational problems may exist that diminish information timeliness, accessibility, and accuracy; policies and procedures may not have been sufficiently tailored to reflect the realities and intents of the systems; and personnel tasks may not have been adequately restructured. In order to realize the full potential of information systems, health care organizations must plan for and implement strategies that are designed to maximize such benefits (Glaser JP, 1986).

The recent Healthcare Information System (HIT) in United States is segmented to different forms – many of which are widespread in the United States. One way to effectively reform health care is through the use of health information technology. If implemented, a HIT system could have the potential to drastically reduce health care costs, while simultaneously increasing health care worker productivity, two major factors in reforming American health care (Cullen, 2011). The addition of computers in hospitals, private practices, and clinics has allowed these establishments to function more efficiently, allowing more time to focus on patient care. While computers have already greatly improved the health care system, they are being not used to their full capacity. As aspects of medicine continue to be updated with new technology, it is clear that a paper record system is outdated and in need of improvement.). The most sensible solution to this problem lies in the prospect of a computerized HIT system that would allow significant...