Nations around the world are rushing to reform their healthcare sectors. Despite approaching this issue in different ways, they all have similar reasons for conducting these reforms. For one, their populations are both growing and aging. This trend has raised the cost of healthcare service delivery. Furthermore, global epidemics such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity are also on the rise.
They, too, are also putting undue strain on healthcare sectors worldwide. And it is only by reforming these sectors that nations can tackle these new challenges effectively. One way of doing so is by adopting health information technology (IT). Now, here are the top three trends to watch out for in the world of health IT.
1. The Adoption of the Electronic Health Records (EHR)
The US is the world leader in the adoption and implementation of digital health records. So far, the US experience has proven that having a digital health record system goes a long way in improving the quality of healthcare.
Because of its benefits, even countries like Thailand are now adopting EHRs. And as a result, the demand for professionals holding an online health information management degree from an institution such as the University of Cincinnati has gone up. According to Professor Korpong Rookkapan of the Paknampo Hospital in Thailand, health ICT has been instrumental in moving Thailand’s health industry forward.
2. The Rise of Big Data Analytics and the Internet of Things (IOT)
Healthcare services are on demand around the clock. Unfortunately, a shortage of health workers, which is typical of the health industry, means that a gap in service delivery is always left. Sangita Reddy of Apollo Hospitals, India, says that this is where big data analytics come in to maximize workflow.
This involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to power point-of-care information. It also relies on IOT (internet of things) devices, which communicate with and transfer data to each other without any human input. Big data analytics and IOT devices fill the gap in service delivery left by the shortage of health personnel.
They ensure that access to health information and solutions is always available, especially from mobile devices.
3. Improved access to health care costs and quality transparency
Health care costs are going to become much clearer so patient consumers have the ability to shop for their care more like the shop for other goods. Providers are becoming more aware of the benefits of healthcare price transparency, knowing that giving patients access to clear pricing means more positive reviews, attracting a wider patient population and simpler collection processes.
4. Customized Healthcare Software
The impact of health-related software largely depends on its design. It must not hinder users from doing the tasks they are trained for. For this reason, healthcare organizations now prefer to build their own software. Mark Harrison, a consultant psychiatrist at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, UK, envisions a future where healthcare organizations do just that.
He cites his organization as an example of this trend for it builds the software it needs. Mark adds that he has seen a real impact from this form of software customization first-hand.
Information technology has an invaluable role to play in modern healthcare sectors. By allowing the recording and sharing of medical information, IT increases the speed of care delivery. It also reduces medical errors. This is why health IT is not going away anytime soon, so now is a great time to study for an online HIM degree.
READ MORE > Healthcare Pricing and Patient Resources
Other Resources: http://himonline.uc.edu/news-and-resources/news-and-articles/quality-health-information-is-vital-to-quality-healthcare/
