Health Information system Flashcards
What are the main types of health records?
Paper records and Electronic Patient Records (EPR).
List the main uses of health information.
Epidemiological data, monitor performance & quality, continuity of care, patient safety, measure prescribing & drug utilization rates, research, communication between providers, medico-legal purposes, alerts, and reminders.
Why is continuity of care important in health information?
It ensures that critical patient data is available over time, especially important for chronic diseases and post-surgery follow-ups.
What are the main disadvantages of paper records?
Lack of structure, fragmented information, inaccessibility, difficult sharing, and issues with illegible handwriting.
What are the advantages of Electronic Patient Records (EPR)?
Greater coordination and data sharing, no data loss, better tracking of medical history, and elimination of issues with illegible handwriting.
List the sources of data for Health Information Systems (HIS).
Censuses, civil vital registrations, population surveys, individual records (hospital data), service records, resource records (e.g., hospital beds).
What are the key players linked through HIS?
Doctors, consultants, laboratories, pharmacies, researchers, financial institutions, and administrators.
What are some of the main challenges of implementing HIS?
High costs, complexity, user training, security concerns, and lack of confidence in digital systems.
Why is an efficient Health Information System (HIS) needed?
To handle complex healthcare processes, manage large volumes of information, and ensure quality care through timely access to data.
What are the benefits of using HIS for patient safety?
HIS prevents adverse events by tracking drug allergies, current medications, and past complications, reducing the risk of medical errors.
How does HIS support medico-legal purposes?
It provides documented evidence of care, detailing what was done, by whom, and when, which is essential in cases of malpractice.
What is the role of HIS in provider communication?
HIS facilitates smooth communication for referrals, handoffs between hospitals, and coordinated care among doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
How does HIS contribute to research?
HIS provides population-based data that reflects real-world clinical practices, essential for epidemiological and clinical studies.
