Clinical Information Technology

Defining Clinical Information Technology
Clinical information technology tools encompass a rather large and diverse set of applications. The release of the 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on patient safety, titled To Err is Human, focused most healthcare providers on software products that regularly impact care delivered by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. These systems include electronic medical records, computerized practitioner order entry, pharmacy systems, medication administrations systems, and imaging storage and retrieval systems.
To foster patient safety and reduce medical errors, organizations implement a variety of clinical information technology tools to achieve specific results. These systems include applications that address accessibility of clinical patient information, medication management, and support the of the clinical decision-making processes.
Electronic Records of Patient Medical Information
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) form the basis of the movement to a paperless healthcare delivery and management system. Multiple definitions exist for EHRs and related items such as electronic medical records (EMRs). Experts differ on definitions. The Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a nonprofit association that brings together all stakeholders in healthcare information technology issues, defines EHRs as follows:
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting. Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports. The EHR automates and streamlines the clinician’s workflow. The EHR has the ability to generate a complete record of a clinical patient encounter, as well as supporting other care-related activities directly or indirectly via interface–including evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.
Personal health records (PHRs) are similar to EHRs, although they are usually referenced in this manner when they are in the possession of or owned by the consumer or patient.
Additionally, the continuity of care record (CCR) is defined as an electronic document standard for the summary of personal health information. Clinicians and patients can use it to help promote continuity of care, quality, and patient safety. Importance Of Taking Medication On Time The standard was developed jointly by the American Society of Testing and Materials International (ASTM), the Massachusetts Medical Society, HIMSS, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Internet Portals For Clinicians Opportunities In Pharmacy Business To Access Patient Data
Clinicians also access clinical information via Internet portals. These portals aggregate patient information from multiple data sources generated in a variety of care venues (e.g., hospital, clinic, physician’s office) and present it in a single-viewer application. Often,single sign-on and authentication is used to facilitate use and reduce the work flow burden on clinician users.
In addition, these portals use off-the-shelf Web technology, such as Internet browsers and the multitude of available plug-ins. This offers clinicians easy-to-use interfaces that are similar to applications commonly used by the general public. Utilizing familiar technology reduces the training necessary to use these systems and allows for personalization of the working environment. Customization of interfaces by users, allowing them to be personalized to the needs of the clinician, greatly facilitates clinician adoption.