Advancements in Health Information Technology and Patient Safety: A Transformative Journey

QUESTION

In responding to your peers, please discuss how advancements in health information technology are making our healthcare system a system focused on safety. Identify one future trend in HIT (Health Information Technology) and include your reference.

I have learned a lot throughout this course. I have really learned the importance of supporting technology in nursing. I have learned that HIT was more than just the medical documentation that nurses and doctors were putting in. Healthcare information technology (HIT) has been defined as “the application of information processing involving both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage, retrieval, sharing, and use of health care information, data, and knowledge for communication and decision making” per Brailer. I also learned that technology is steadily advancing for the safety of our patients and it is our duty as nurses to stay on top of the newest technology in order to be able to serve our patients. I do not feel as though I had any issues with completing my project. My project was on electronic records and at the completion of my project I realized that electronic records have become a staple in the medical and insurance industry. There is substantial evidence that implementing an electronic medical record reduces medical errors and improves patient safety. (Alotaibi &Federico, 2017)

I utilize electronic records daily in my everyday business. I will keep my mind and eyes open to new technologies, but I do not think I will change anything in my current line of business at this time.

Reference

Alotaibi, Y. K., & Federico, F. (2017). The impact of health information technology on patient safety. Saudi medical journal, 38(12), 1173-1180. https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2017.12.20631

Brailer, D. 2004.The decade of health information technology, Framework for Strategic Action. http://www.providersedge.com/ehdocs/ehr_articles/the_decade_of_hit-delivering_customer-centric_and_info-rich_hc.pdf

ANSWER

Advancements in Health Information Technology and Patient Safety: A Transformative Journey

Advancements in health information technology (HIT) have brought about a paradigm shift in healthcare, fostering a system that places a paramount emphasis on patient safety. This response delves into the transformative impact of HIT on healthcare safety and highlights a future trend in HIT.

The evolution of healthcare has witnessed HIT evolving beyond mere documentation into a comprehensive system that encompasses the storage, retrieval, sharing, and utilization of health information for informed decision-making. This realization, as emphasized by Brailer, has positioned HIT as a pivotal tool in enhancing patient safety by streamlining communication, reducing medical errors, and ensuring seamless care coordination. This underscores the essence of nurses and healthcare professionals staying updated with the latest technologies to ensure optimal patient care.

One poignant example of HIT’s role in patient safety is the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs). EMRs have not only become a cornerstone in medical and insurance industries but have also demonstrated a tangible impact on reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. Alotaibi and Federico (2017) affirm the substantial evidence indicating that the implementation of EMRs contributes to minimizing errors related to medication administration, treatment plans, and diagnostic accuracy.

Incorporating this insight into the practical scenario shared by a peer, where electronic records are utilized daily, illustrates the tangible integration of HIT into routine healthcare practices. While the current line of business remains unaffected by imminent changes, the mindset to remain open to emerging technologies is a testament to the commitment towards patient safety.

As we peer into the future of HIT, one noteworthy trend that is expected to shape healthcare is the widespread adoption of telehealth and telemedicine. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of virtual care delivery, and this trend is anticipated to persist. Telehealth not only enhances access to care, particularly for underserved populations, but also aligns with patient safety by reducing unnecessary exposure to healthcare facilities. Telemedicine empowers patients to engage in their healthcare management, further fostering a patient-centered approach.

In conclusion, advancements in HIT have propelled healthcare into an era where patient safety stands at the forefront. The transition from documentation to comprehensive information utilization has revolutionized care coordination, error reduction, and decision-making. The adoption of electronic records exemplifies the tangible impact of HIT on patient safety. Looking ahead, the integration of telehealth and telemedicine is set to shape the future of healthcare, offering convenient and safe care delivery. By embracing these trends and staying attuned to emerging technologies, healthcare professionals can continue to champion patient safety and quality care.