Healthcare Information Systems

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This brief essay describes the purposes of healthcare information systems, their impact on healthcare in general and nursing care specifically. The essay also explores the positive and negative attitudes and safeguards recommended to protect patients' records and avoid legal and ethical implications.
Background Information Healthcare information systems (HIS) have developed in response to the aging but health-needy population facing accelerated medical and insurance premium costs. HIS include electronic medical record systems (EMRS) that record and electronically secure patients' medical information. Once records are digitized, information can be classified, stored and accessed for patient care. In addition, using EMRS can improve patient …show more content…

In a survey study in two teaching hospitals intended to determine nurses' expectations and satisfaction with HIS, Ayatollahi, Langarizadeh, M., and Chenani (2016) found that to achieve satisfaction, fulfill expectations and confirm the usefulness of the clinical information systems, nurses wanted non-technical elements to be included in the design and implementation of electronic nursing documentation systems. These would include identifying the nature of clinical responsibilities and the organizational culture to be emphasized. The researchers also found nurses wanted a clear notion of the advantages of such systems, its compatibility with existing systems and nursing values as well as the system's usability and flexibility in patient care (p. …show more content…

Congress allotted $19 million of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to establish an electronic health record (EHR) for every American. Controversy has centered on the political, economic and logistical ramifications of EHRs. However, Mercuri (2010) contends there are several ethical principles that need to be considered. Ownership of medical records must accommodate personal autonomy needs by providing patient access while still guarding the content of the records. EHR systems can improve healthcare when justice, equality and fairness are underlying principles guiding training and access to medical information (Autonomy section). Mercuri (2010) found a differential in computer literacy for nurses and medical staff that should be corrected. In his mind, medical researchers should have access to raw data in patient files and system failures must be avoided at all costs. It is critical to maintain a careful balance between the needs of patient privacy and the benefits of EHR systems to avoid a breach of patient-doctor relationships (Privacy and Confidentiality

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