HLTH 2115 Health Business ComputingAAWC

The terminology surrounding computers and health can be confusing . . .

EMR???

EHR??? CPR???

All perform the same function . . .

Internet-enabled Healthcare Applications Consumer Health Information Personal Health Records Internet-based Services (e-Pharmacy, e-Care

(incl. email and e-communication, etc.) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems Administrative and Financial Health

Systems

Mobile Health-careCommunication and Computing Device

Any (small) portable and unobtrusive computing and/or telecommunications device that assists in the collection, retrieval or communication of data relevant to medical care

It is using technology to:

help hospitals manage their patients and their employees

help doctors care for their patients

share information between doctors and hospitals

share information about costs between hospitals and insurance companies

The main form of technology that is used in health informatics is computerization

Something as simple as an email message can be thought of as health informatics If a doctor takes a picture of a

patient’s burn with a digital camera, and then sends this to a dermatology specialist in Dubai - this is health informatics

Computers (internet, email) Teleconferences (telehealth,

telemedicine) Electronic health records Electronic master patient index E-claim process (used by insurance

company. This has been developed by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi)

Doctors can use technology like webcams and teleconferences They can hold meetings

with specialists around the world

They can meet online with patients who are not able to get to the clinic. They can use a webcam to see each other while they talk.

Nursing informatics focuses on The patient The family The community

Nurses use technology to collect information about specific diseases To communicate to other nurses and doctors about

specific cases To communicate with the patient (email, SMS)

One of the main outcomes is to support education

This is also known as Consumer Informatics (the patient is the customer…consuming the health care and services)

Patients can communicate with their doctor or nurse online simply by using email or SMS

Patients can go online to self-diagnose their symptoms eg swine flu

Patients can communicate with support groups – gaining education and support from people who have a similar condition This can be done ‘at a distance’ with the

patient chatting online or by using webcam