Reference no: EM13793443

Health record structures in computer-driven formats

Health information systems are systems used by health facilities and institutions in capturing, storing and transmitting health related information of individuals or the activities of the health establishment. The best structure for a health information system within a health facility should involve a five-level information system structure (O'Carroll, 2003). The first level is the "Patient section" that enters the full details of the patient to capture his or her full identity. The second level is the "Problem section" that records the illnesses or other problems affecting the patient. The third level is the "Case section" where the problem of the patient is adequately analyzed in an attempt to find an immediate cause for the problem. The fourth level is the "Event section" where the system automatically states to the patient the primary reason for his or her problem. Lastly, it is the "Action section" where the system suggests to the appropriate patient actions to be taken to avoid or prevent the stated problem.

The reason for choosing the above health system structure is because the system is more appealing to the patients as it gives them a much more user interface experience. Based on this experience, the system safely interacts with the patients at personal level making it more appropriate for health facilities. Another reason is that, since the system has enhanced the automation of various activities within the health institution, it saves time and its other resources (O'Carroll, 2003). For instance, the patient usually gets an immediate response from the system once the problem has been entered and analyzed hence saving more time for both the organization and the patient. The automation of the operations also minimizes the overall running costs of the facility in terms of low labor costs and reduced stationery expenses like files and papers within the institution.

The structure is practically applicable to the health facilities that are mostly characterized by large turnout and concentration of patients due to the slow manual examination of the patients by health practitioners. The selected structure of the health information system simplifies the work of a health practitioner from welcoming and review to only administering the prescribed medicine by the system (E.J.S. Hovenga, 2013). The structure is also more practical as it examines the patient step by step hence determining the best prescription based on the cause of the problem. The selection of this business structure is of more benefit to the health institution as it aims at maximizing the total business returns by minimizing costs. This structure speeds up various operations by serving a large number of customers within the shortest time possible hence maximizing its revenue at the lowest possible costs. The structure also puts to an end the manipulation of data that is usually done due to fatigue less of some medical personnel.

Despite all the benefits that accrue to the organization as a result of adopting the above structure, there are various limitations that can restrict or affect the general performance when using the system. The system's assumption that all patients are literate to operate it might be a significant limitation as it drives away patients with less or no system operation knowledge (Pat Croskerry, 2009). The system may also give a wrong prescription in cases where the patients present inaccurate input data. The system may also not cater for the health needs of the physically disabled patients like the blind as they need to input data in the system that requires visually upright individuals. Lastly, the health information system may face objection and even destroyed by employees who risk being laid off as a result of its incorporation in the organization. In this case, the system performs many tasks done by most employees hence rendering them jobless at a future date.