© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Computer Technology in Health Care.

© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Chapter 12

Computer Technologyin Health Care


12:1 Introduction

• Greatest advancement in information processing since invention of printing press

• Use of computers a necessity in health care


Uses in Health Care

• Hospital or medical information systems (HIS or MIS)

• Diagnostic testing

• Education of health care personnel

• Research: statistical analysis of data


Computer Literacy

• Ability to understand basics of how a computer works and applications used in your field or profession

• Essential to health care professionals

• Comfort in using a computer for job

• Practice and experience in using computers is necessary to develop computer literacy


History of the Computer

• First computers installed in late 1950s and early 1960s

• Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC)

• Microchips

• Sizes of computers


12:2 What is a Computer System?

• Electronic device that is a complete information processing system

• Hardware—machine components

• Software—programs or instructions


Input Devices

• Information is entered into the computer by means of an input device

• Computer keyboard• Magnetic tape• Touch screen monitor• Optical scanner• Mouse• Light pen


Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Processes all information or data entered into the computer

• Acts as the “brains” of the computer

• Internal memory unit

• Arithmetic and logic unit

• Control unit


Output Devices

• Output is the finished work of the computer system

• Occurs after data has been processed by the CPU

• Printer

• Video display

• Forms of output


12:3 Computer Applications

• Word processing

• Compiling databases

• Scheduling

• Maintaining financial records

• Monitoring patients

• Performing diagnostic tests

(continues)


Computer Applications(continued)

• Maintaining inventories

• Developing spreadsheets

• Communicating through modems


Examples of Uses

• Health information technician

• Physician

• Pharmacist

• Dietician

• Laboratory technician

• Nurse

• Environmental service worker


Computer Uses and Issues

• Hand-held portable computer

• Confidentiality for strict enforcement

• Contingency backup plan essential


Computer Applications for Diagnostics

• Computer-based diagnostic tests

• Analyzing blood tests

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) computerized interpretation systems

• Computerized tomography (CT)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

(continues)


Computer Applications for Diagnostics(continued)

• Positron emission tomography (PET)

• Ultrasonography

• Oncology


Computer Applications for Education

• Computer-assisted instruction (CAI)

• Interactive video or computer-assisted video technology

• Internet for distance learning and licensure examinations


Computer Applications for Research

• Available information from the National Library of Medicine database

• Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to prepare and analyze data

• Computer technology research world-wide, known as bioinformatics


Computer Applications for Communication

• Networks—computers linked together in health care facilities

• Internet—links computers located around the world

• Electronic mail (e-mail)

• Telemedicine for medical/health care use

(continues)


Computer Applications for Communication

(continued)

• E-medicine for contacting physicians

• Telepharmacies speed up the process of dispensing medicines

• Listserve mailing lists for sharing health information


12:4 Using the Internet

• Network of computer users

• Modem—electronic device to send or receive data

• Browser—software to access the Internet for information

• Many services and sources available for the health care professional


Search Engines

• Defined as a database of Internet files

• Engines include: search program, index, and retrieval program

• Types of search engines: crawler-based, human-powered, mixed

• Many different search engines available


Searching the Web

• Must develop a strategy

• Identify key words

• Combine key words

• Vary your search

• Use different search engines

• Evaluate the source of all information

• Identify the source

(continues)


Searching the Web(continued)

• Determine the author

• Check for accuracy

• Verify important data

• Look for signs of quality

• Check for currency

• Health care workers are able to research many topics on the Internet; can be an excellent learning tool


12:5 Computer Protection and Security

• Health care computerized records need to be safe and secure

• Loss of information can result from electrical problems, viruses, hackers, and breach of confidentiality

(continues)


Computer Protection and Security(continued)

• Protecting a computer from electrical problems includes– Uninterrupted power supply (UPS)

– Daily backups onto compact disks

– Storage of data to external location

(continues)



• Viruses are able to enter a computer– when downloading information or programs

– by opening e-mails

– when using different disks that contain viruses

• Installation of antivirus software will give protection

(continues)



• Other computers, outside programs, and hackers can gain access

• Firewalls are needed for protection

• Network computers only within the health care facility

• Use dedicated computer to send information to outside source

(continues)



• Confidentiality is of the utmost importance for patient records

• Guidelines have been established

• Requirements of the Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA)


Summary

• Computers used as cost-effective and efficient tools

• Enhance quality patient care

• Used for many areas of health care

• Computer technology has had tremendous impact on health care

(continues)


Summary(continued)

• Used for health care research

• Internet has opened up a plethora of available information

• Health care workers need to protect computerized records/information

© 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Computer Technology in Health Care.

Documents

Transcript of © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning Chapter 12 Computer Technology in Health Care.