Jurnal Health Sains, Vol. 04, No. 06, June 2023 1
Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of Health Information Technology in Modern Medicine
Indra Sandinirwan, Henry Leo
Hermina Hospital Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia Bintuni Public Hospital, West Papua, Indonesia
Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), Jakarta, Indonesia
Fellow of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) Email: [email protected]
METHOD
This research uses qualitative methods with a literature review approach.
Literature review is a systematic, explicit and reproducible method for identifying, evaluating and synthesizing research works and thoughts that have been produced by researchers and practitioners. The process of conducting this literature review commences with the selection of the pertinent subject matter. Subsequent to this, an exploration of library resources or other information sources is undertaken, with a particular emphasis on data repositories such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, and the National Library databases. Once the relevant information has been collected, it is then interpreted and narratively presented.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The landscape of modern medicine has been significantly transformed with the advent of Health Information Technology (HIT). This wide-ranging field encompasses diverse technologies, from rudimentary charting mechanisms to advanced decision-support systems and integration with medical devices.1 A deeper understanding of the nuances of HIT provides a vista of opportunities for improving and transforming healthcare, potentially reducing human errors, enhancing clinical
Keywords:
Navigating,
Technology,Modern Medicine
ABSTRACT
The landscape of modern medicine has been significantly transformed with the advent of Health Information Technology (HIT), one of the uses of health information technology is electronic medical records. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to improve patient safety, but there are also concerns about safety issues related to their use. The implementation of EMRs is influenced by various factors, including financial costs and concerns about uncertain benefits and potential risks to clinicians. Despite the numerous advantages associated with HIT, the implementation and subsequent use of these systems are not devoid of challenges. Despite the associated challenges and risks, the benefits of HIT in the field of medicine are undeniable. HIT systems can enhance patient safety by reducing medication errors and adverse drug reactions, and by promoting adherence to practice guidelines.
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outcomes, and facilitating seamless care coordination. One of the uses of health information technology is electronic medical records. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to improve patient safety, but there are also concerns about safety issues related to their use. Some of the patient safety issues with EMRs include usability issues, such as poor information display and complicated screen sequences and navigation. Additionally, poor EMR interoperability can lead to increased risks of medication errors and other safety issues.2,3 However, EMRs can also improve the ability to diagnose diseases and reduce medical errors, improving patient outcomes.4 The role of EMRs in enhancing patient safety is still debated, and there is ongoing research to identify potential patient safety issues related to their use. The future of HIT, particularly EMRs, holds promising prospects for further revolutionizing healthcare delivery.
Challenges in the Implementation and Use of HIT
The implementation of EMRs is influenced by various factors, including financial costs and concerns about uncertain benefits and potential risks to clinicians. Despite the numerous advantages associated with HIT, the implementation and subsequent use of these systems are not devoid of challenges.
These include substantial implementation costs, issues with user interface and system design that can affect clinical workflow, and the need for standardization of design features and functions.5,6 The heightened use of virtual platforms for telehealth services and robust electronic health record systems necessitates increased vigilance around HIT. Concerns about clinician satisfaction, burnout, and the disruptive nature of ongoing revisions highlight the need for further improvements in EMR technology.7,8 Efforts should be made to address these challenges and fully leverage the potential benefits of EMRs in healthcare.
Along with the benefits, the use of HIT presents potential risks that warrant attention. Electronic storage of information, although convenient, is susceptible to security breaches and unauthorized access.9 Over-reliance on technology could potentially divert healthcare practitioners' attention from critical aspects of patient care.8 Furthermore, inadequate user interface and system design could lead to inefficiencies in clinical workflows, potentially resulting in misleading data analysis and negative clinical outcomes.
The Multifaceted Benefits of HIT in Medicine
Despite the associated challenges and risks, the benefits of HIT in the field of medicine are undeniable. HIT systems can enhance patient safety by reducing medication errors and adverse drug reactions, and by promoting adherence to practice guidelines. They can also improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery and management of patient records. HIT holds the promise to revolutionize healthcare by minimizing human errors, fostering improved clinical outcomes, facilitating effective care coordination, and enhancing record management. The capability of HIT to improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines can significantly impact the quality of healthcare and patient clinical outcomes.10,11 In this particular aspect, the widespread adoption of HIT systems can help us navigate toward a future of improved individual health and optimized healthcare delivery.
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In the realm of medical research, HIT has emerged as a powerful tool, extending its benefits beyond healthcare delivery to include healthcare research as well.12 By improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare distribution, HIT has played a pivotal role in managing patient records, ensuring their accessibility and accuracy.
Utilizing electronic health records accumulates substantial patient data, which can be classified as big data.13 When this extensive data is subjected to appropriate analytical methods, valuable information and trends can be extracted. This processed information subsequently generates insights, which can then inform evidence-based policies.
Some of the benefits of health information technology are as follows13–16:
EMRs replace traditional paper-based systems and provide healthcare providers with instant access to comprehensive patient information, including medical history, lab results, medications, and allergies. EMRs enable secure and efficient storage, retrieval, and exchange of patient data, leading to improved coordination of care and reduced errors.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) utilize advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques to assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions.
These systems can provide real-time clinical guidelines, alerts for potential drug interactions or allergies, and predictive analytics to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
HIT has facilitated the rise of telemedicine and telehealth, enabling remote patient consultations, monitoring, and even surgery. Through video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and secure data transmission, healthcare services can reach patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility, improving access to care.
Health Information Exchange (HIE) allows the secure sharing of patient health information among healthcare providers, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. It eliminates the need for redundant tests, improves care coordination during transitions, and enables a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history.
With the proliferation of smartphones and wearable devices, mobile Health (mHealth) apps have gained popularity. These apps allow patients to monitor their health, access personalized medical information, receive medication reminders, and engage in virtual consultations with healthcare providers.
HIT has facilitated the collection and analysis of vast amounts of health data, enabling researchers and healthcare professionals to identify patterns, trends, and insights. Big data analytics plays a crucial role in population health management, clinical research, and the development of personalized treatment plans through precision medicine.
The advent of health information technology necessitates swift adaptation by users, the creation of user-friendly interfaces by software developers, and the endorsement of this technology's application by policymakers. The progress of information technology, inevitably, has brought us into a digital ecosystem that, if
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utilized optimally, can improve efficiency, speed of service, accuracy of service, and, most importantly, service quality and patient safety.
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