It is a fact that technology is being used heavily in the healthcare industry, although a bit later than other industries and health informatics is one evolving specialization. Health informatics is a term given to the process of acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of patient information by various healthcare providers of a patient with a combined use of communications, information technology, and healthcare. A major factor in the increased use of health informatics is the increased use of electronic health records as a result of incentive programs for ‘meaningful use’.
Electronic health records are designed with a view to collect, store and share a patient’s health information from all providers who are involved in the patient’s healthcare. In a scenario where healthcare providers are quickly adapting EHR solutions in their facilities, health informatics will see a tremendous growth as facilities implement new systems and upgrade their existing databases. Let’s see how this evolving technology of health informatics helps in the transformation of healthcare.
Cost reduction:
Its a known fact that healthcare is expensive and usually, more than half of the expenses are due to the procedures being performed repeatedly, delayed care provision, and conventional methods of sharing information among various healthcare providers. With the help of EHR solutions, health informatics result in cost reduction to facilities as a result of better connectivity among various people concerned. Health informatics increases communication, reduces errors, and thus improves efficiency.
Access to knowledge:
With appropriate use of EHR systems, different healthcare providers have access to abundant knowledge about patients and their health history. With this access to knowledge and with the help of health informatics, the patient information can be easily shared between physicians and patients that aids in providing better healthcare.
Patient involvement:
When patients have access to their health information, it gives them an opportunity to actively participate in their own healthcare as they get to know about their diagnoses, medications, and treatments. This helps the patients to interact with their doctors with more ease and discuss their issue that helps in better healthcare provision.
Healthcare industry is evolving rapidly due to the immense use of technology in maintaining electronic health records and with the empowerment of health informatics, all can expect more efficient, coordinated and improved care.