health Informatics &PACS Flashcards
What is health informatics and what does it involve?
- The use of information, communication, and computer technologies to manage and improve patient care.
- Involves designing and applying computational innovations to store, analyse, and share healthcare data.
Why is health informatics necessary?
1 -Data Management:
Efficiently organises vast amounts of healthcare data generated daily.
2- Improved Patient Care:
Facilitates better clinical decisions through electronic health records (EHR) and decision support systems (CDSS).
3- Interoperability:
Enables seamless data sharing between healthcare systems for coordinated care.
4- Cost Efficiency:
Reduces paperwork, streamlines processes, and prevents redundant tests or procedures.
5- Population Health:
Analyses trends for disease prevention and public health planning.
What is the difference between data, information, and knowledge?
Data:
Raw, unprocessed facts or observations.
Example: A patient’s blood pressure is recorded as 120/80 mmHg.
-Information:
Data that has been processed and given context.
Example: Blood pressure readings of 120/80 mmHg over multiple visits indicate normal blood pressure.
- Knowledge:
Application of information to make decisions or predictions.
Example: Recognising that maintaining normal blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How is digital data organised in files and databases?
Files:
- A file is a named collection of digital data stored on a computer.
- Files are organised into folders and directories for easy access and categorisation.
- Examples:
Images stored as .jpeg or .dcm for DICOM files in medical imaging.
Reports stored as .pdf or .docx.
Databases:
- A database is an organised collection of structured data stored electronically.
- Database Management System (DBMS): Software used to manage databases, enabling data retrieval, modification, and storage efficiently.
Difference:
Files are individual units of data, while databases manage large, interconnected datasets systematically.
What is an information system and what are the main components?
- A system designed to collect, store, manage, and distribute data to support decision-making and operations.
Main Components:
- Hardware:
Physical devices like servers, workstations, scanners, and storage devices.
- Software:
Applications and systems for managing data (e.g., PACS, EHR systems).
- Data:
The raw material processed by the system, such as patient records and imaging data.
- People:
Users, including radiographers, radiologists, IT staff, and administrators.
- Processes:
Procedures and workflows that ensure smooth operation and data management.
- Networks:
Communication channels (e.g., LAN, internet) that enable data sharing across systems.
What’s HIS?
Hospital Information System (HIS)
Main hospital system where patients are registered and is connected to all other systems. Manages all patient data
What’s RIS?
Radiology Information System (RIS)
System for the electronic management of imaging departments. Manages:
- patient scheduling,
- resource management,
- examination performance tracking,
- reporting,
- results distribution etc.
What’s PACS?
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
A system connected to various imaging modalities that allows:
- storage,
- viewing,
- manipulation
- and sharing of diagnostic images and reports
What are health information systems used for?
Uses:
-Data Management:
Collect, store, and retrieve patient information (e.g., EHRs, imaging reports).
-Scheduling and Administration:
Manage appointments, resources, and workflows.
-Clinical Decision Support:
Assist clinicians with diagnostic tools and treatment recommendations.
-Population Health Management:
Aggregate data to identify trends and plan public health initiatives.
What are health information systems benefits?
Benefits:
- Improved Patient Care:
Centralised data allows better-informed clinical decisions.
-Efficiency:
Reduces paperwork, avoids redundant tests, and streamlines workflows.
-Data Sharing:
Enhances communication between departments and organisations.
-Cost Savings:
Minimises manual processes and resource wastage.
-Patient Safety:
Reduces errors through standardised documentation and alert systems.
What other information systems does the HIS interact with in an imaging department?
Radiology Information System (RIS):
- Manages patient scheduling, exam tracking, and reporting within the radiology department.
Integrates with PACS and HIS for seamless data flow.
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS):
- Stores, retrieves, and shares imaging data and associated reports.
Works closely with RIS and HIS to ensure image availability for clinical decisions.
Laboratory Information System (LIS):
- Shares lab test results with HIS for complete diagnostic information.
Electronic Health Record (EHR):
- Ensures imaging data integrates with a patient’s full medical history.
What is an EHR, EPR, and EMR?
- EHR (Electronic Health Record): H -health - forever
A comprehensive, lifelong record of a patient’s health across multiple institutions.
-EPR (Electronic Patient Record): p - pt - instituion
A record specific to one healthcare institution (e.g., hospital or GP practice).
-EMR (Electronic Medical Record): m- medical event
A record for a single episode of care (e.g., a hospital visit or outpatient consultation).
What is interoperability and why is it important?
Interoperability:
The ability of different information systems to exchange, interpret, and use data seamlessly.
-Data Sharing:
Ensures that patient records are accessible across departments and institutions.
-Error Reduction:
Avoids miscommunication by maintaining consistent data formats.
-Efficient Care:
Reduces duplication of tests and improves care coordination.
-Patient Safety:
Provides clinicians with all necessary information for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the main interoperability standards (A standard is an agreed way of doing something) relevant to imaging?
1 -DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine):
- International standard for storing, transmitting, and retrieving medical images.
- Includes metadata like patient details, modality settings, and imaging parameters.
2- HL7 (Health Level 7):
-Standards for transferring clinical and administrative data between healthcare systems.
-Focuses on EHRs, orders, and lab results.
3- IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise):
-Combines standards like DICOM and HL7 to ensure systems work together for specific clinical workflows.
- Ensures all the international standards are followed and met
What are terms, codes, and classifications and examples?
Terms, Codes, and Classifications:
- Systems that standardise medical terminology for accurate documentation and communication.
Examples:
SNOMED CT:
A structured system of medical terms used for clinical documentation and reporting.
ICD-11:
A classification system by the WHO for coding diseases and conditions.
