Hospital information technology sounds useful doesnt it? Well, frankly, thats because it is useful. However, a numbera very large numberof hospitals arent utilizing hospital information technology. And while this is primarily related to money, or the lack thereof, the use of hospital information technology still needs to be addressed.
Hospital information technology is pivotal in the improvement of our health care system. Think about it. Resources are being wasted, and lives are being affected. Lets paint a quick picture of what happens when hospital information technology isnt utilized. Basically, this is what could happen in virtually any hospital in 2010.
John Smith has moved from Los Angeles to Baltimore. Hes been in Baltimore for a while but not long enough to where hes had to see a doctor. On his way to work one morning, Mr. Smith crashes his car into a telephone pole. Hes alive, but hes unconscious. Now, doctors are in an interesting position. They need to operate in order to save his life. But they have no way of knowing any medications he might be on, any diseases he might have, and any allegories he might be subject to. Without access to his past health records, doctors cross their fingers and operate to save his life.
While, of course, this is a rather dramatic scenario, its still plausible. And its sad really. Hospitals are loaded with high-tech equipment, yet doctors rely on faxes, phone calls, and physical paperwork to treat clients. Hospital information technology can change all that.
Hospital information technology can protect patients and help doctors be more efficient. By incorporating electronic health records and e-prescribing software, doctors can access any patients full medical history and properly prescribe a safe medication. Its simple. Its smart. It needs to happen. Bottom line, hospital information technology sounds useful because it is useful. It just needs to be implemented.
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