Pros & Cons Of Health Informatics

Introduction

The efficient service and care received by many patients at their local GPs and Accidents and Emergencies in modern times is in no doubt down to the accurate and quick retrieval of their medical records across several platforms. While this may be one of the many aspects of the applications of computer science, information and technology to healthcare, it has become a vital part of adequate service provision to patients.

Health Informatics is defined by Anthony Madden a former Anaesthetic consultant, as “The knowledge, skills and tools which enable information to be collected, managed, used and shared, to support the delivery of healthcare and to promote health” (Madden, December 2010) and therefore it is believed that where people, health and information interact; an efficient and enhanced health service is the outcome.

Information Accuracy

Health informatics ’contribution to society has undoubtedly been positive. It has become the driving force of healthcare sector that allows an efficient way of storing and recovering information (Nur Zakiah Sidek, 2009). It is not difficult to see that this is a much better and ideal way than trying to remember the details of existing medications and allergies for a patient or a scenario where a confused patient provides improper or half-finished information which can lead to an adverse effect. Therefore, having such accurate information provided at the point where it is needed is absolutely essential.

Patient Participation

Liz Kendall acknowledged high quality care which has patients as it focal point; is safe and effective, stimulates health and wellbeing, is integrated and seamless, is enlightening but also vesting and is timely as well as convenient (Kendall Liz, 2003). The presence of patient-centred data in the health sector is colossal as it plays a fundamental role in the administration of patient’s care journey. The focus on this data, allows for better patient participation and therefore active engagement in individual care plans. The more patients become involved, the more knowledgeable they become about their own health and take proactive ownership. Knowledge after all, empowers and in case of healthcare, it is no different.

Managed Workflow

Where unified real-time electronic patient records are implemented, it helps to ensure that clinicians deliver quick and better diagnosis with minimal medical guesses and/or errors. The sharing of healthcare information and knowledge among clinicians allows for wider professional deliberation with colleagues, managed work-flows, informed interactions with patients, and time efficient service.

Automated Activities and Processes

One of the other benefits of using healthcare electronic systems is the potential for automating processes as well as streamlining medical workflow. A good example of how information systems can transform working practices is Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). Radiology departments have typically used the wet film process to produce X-rays. With PACS, the route of generating the X-ray image became completely digital with the image being essentially a digital photograph, the film being replaced by a digital plate or sensor that records the X-ray image. Films no longer need to be developed and images are available almost immediately to the clinician who requested the investigation (Hosker, 2007).

Advancement in Public health

On a much wider scale in public health, S. Fan, C. Blair, A. Brown, S. Gabos, L. Honish, T. Hughes, et al explained that the use of automated systems, such as real-time outbreak detection systems, allows for the real time, daily detection, analysis and dissemination of outbreak information to the targeted populations and agencies. The use of a geographic information system, such as HealthMap, has further enriched the identification, monitoring, alerting and responding to emerging diseases, epidemics, bioterrorism and natural disasters, not only at the national but at the global level (S. Fan, Nov-Dec 2010) Therefore, health informatics is not only beneficial on one level but across all thinkable spectrums of societal living.

While informatics can facilitate the availability of important data, information technology can also increase bureaucracy, contribute to dehumanization, and hinder doctor-patient relationships (Snyder, 2011) the advancement in healthcare and public health today has been down to the innovation of information and the application of technology. It is understandable that “one criticism of approaching patient care through information and technology is that care is becoming less and less personal. Instead of a doctor getting to know a patient in real time and space in order to best offer care, the job of “knowing” is placed on data and algorithms.”

However, this must not be seen as a challenge or hindrance to the introduction and implementation of health informatics but as an anchor to which healthcare continues to be delivered in an efficient manner. Moreover, human to human interaction is an absolute need for effective care to be given. Hartzband and Groopman assert that despite medicine’s history of embracing technological innovation, nothing has impacted medical practice and the relationship between patients and healthcare providers as much as the Internet (Hartzband P, 2010).