Chapter 12 Computer Technology in Health Care

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

12: 1 Introduction • Greatest advancement in information processing since invention of printing press • Use of computers a necessity in health care © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Uses in Health Care • Hospital or medical information systems (HIS or MIS) • Diagnostic testing • Education of health care personnel • Research: statistical analysis of data © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

History of the Computer • First computers installed in late 1950 s and early 1960 s • Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) • Microchips • Sizes of computers © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

12: 2 What is a Computer System? • Electronic device that is a complete information processing system • Hardware—machine components • Software—programs or instructions © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

12: 3 Computer Applications • • • Word processing Compiling databases Scheduling Maintaining financial records Monitoring patients Performing diagnostic tests (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Applications (continued) • Maintaining inventories • Developing spreadsheets • Communicating through modems © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Examples of Uses • • Health information technician Physician Pharmacist Dietician Laboratory technician Nurse Environmental service worker © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Uses and Issues • Hand-held portable computer • Confidentiality for strict enforcement • Contingency backup plan essential © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Applications for Diagnostics • Computer-based diagnostic tests • Analyzing blood tests • Electrocardiogram (ECG) computerized interpretation systems • Computerized tomography (CT) • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (continues) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Applications for Diagnostics (continued) • Positron emission tomography (PET) • Ultrasonography • Oncology © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Applications for Education • Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) • Interactive video or computer-assisted video technology • Internet for distance learning and licensure examinations © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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 © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Protection and Security (continued) • 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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Protection and Security (continued) • 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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

Computer Protection and Security (continued) • Confidentiality is of the utmost importance for patient records • Guidelines have been established • Requirements of the Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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) © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning

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