Computer and Information Systems

There is an enormous range of opportunities for significant cost reductions, service enhancements and behavioral change through developments in the health information system. I would like to address this issue on the trends/factors that have significantly influenced the health information systems on the light of key players in the delivery and as beneficiary of health care (Smalling & Liehr, 1996).

Firstly, when it comes to implementing information systems, the healthcare sector lags behind other industries by a decade or more. The results of this lag are expensive and life-threatening. Each year billions of dollars are wasted when lost or outdated records lead to needlessly repeated tests and redundant inoculations. Thousands of people die when medical mistakes result from accurate information in mismanaged records or from a lack of information at the point of care (Agarwal, n.d). Therefore, from the perspective of individual medical practitioner, knowledge enrichment or education, practice administration, and clinical tools are among the most important considerations for applications enhancements concerning health information system. Knowledge enrichment and practice administration systems are widely used, but the adoption of clinical tools has been relatively slow because of the complexity of such applications and a range of doctor concerns. Patient privacy and security of patient records, the possibility that the tools will generate activities that are not billable and/or reimbursable, the cost of integrating clinical tools with current systems, the difficulty of use and possible interruptions to workflow and doctor patient (Houghton, 2002).

The second factor would be definitely the patients. Health informatics, have been very helpful in altering the relationship and balance of power between patients and providers, leading to more empowered consumers and enhanced self, home and community care capabilities. Thirdly, the health care providers. It is...