Health Information Technology: Pros, Cons, and Implementation

Introduction

Various studies have been undertaken in an attempt to highlight the relevance of adopting health information technology in healthcare. While some argue that health information technology is beneficial to the healthcare system as a whole, others are convinced that the risks and complications it poses are too significant, and that its implementation in healthcare settings ought to be halted. This paper highlights the arguments that have been presented over time both for and against the implementation and adoption of health information technology, and evaluates which side of the debate carries the greater weight.

Defining Health Information Technology

From the outset, it is important to note that health information technology does not have a single, universally assigned definition. A number of definitions have been offered by various authors. In the words of Ciampa and Revels (2012), "healthcare information technology is the use of hardware and software in an effort to manage and manipulate health data and information" (p. 4). This is the definition of health information technology that will be adopted throughout this paper.

Benefits of Health Information Technology

When it comes to the benefits of health information technology, three themes emerge: quality, safety, and efficiency.

With regard to quality, technology has been credited with enhancing performance across a wide range of industries, and healthcare is no exception. As Joseph (2013) points out, health information technology effectively leads to the further enhancement of decision-making in healthcare settings by supporting knowledge growth. For instance, healthcare institutions can invest in computer-assisted knowledge acquisition tools and systems, equipping providers with devices that offer resources for quick referencing — both in practical settings and in the course of day-to-day activities. This, in turn, leads to better patient outcomes.

With regard to safety, a prominent example of health information technology is computerized physician order entry (CPOE), whereby physician instructions such as medication orders are entered electronically rather than on paper. Poor handwriting has historically been blamed for a number of medical errors (Balgrosky, 2014). With health information systems, the probability of such errors is reduced because relevant information is transmitted electronically, with accuracy-enhancing features built into the process. Electronic health records (EHRs) also play a significant role in enhancing patient safety. Thanks to EHRs, healthcare providers can readily identify key factors such as a patient's drug allergies, past surgical events, and mental health status (Joseph, 2013). This is particularly important given that negative drug interactions and drug allergies remain among the most serious concerns in healthcare. When providers gain access to a patient's history — especially via web-based EHRs — they are better equipped to make informed decisions after carefully assessing possible drug contraindications.

On the efficiency front, health information technology has been credited with improving healthcare systems and processes. Joseph (2013) notes that "communication tools would allow providers… to efficiently track medical interventions and progress," thereby eliminating unnecessary delays associated with physical confirmation efforts. EHRs have further enhanced efficiency by permitting easy and convenient access to a patient's medical history. According to Joseph (2013), this means that healthcare providers can conduct a quick yet comprehensive assessment of a patient's health in order to determine the best interventions to adopt.

Conclusion

The pros of health information technology by far outweigh the cons. Moreover, several of the drawbacks raised by various authors can be mitigated through deliberate courses of action.

With regard to the security of patient data, various measures can be implemented to ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access. Clear rules and regulations governing who may access such data, and under what circumstances, can provide meaningful safeguards. It is also worth noting that regulatory frameworks are already in place to protect the integrity of patient data — most notably the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

With regard to the challenge of rapid technological change, it should be recognized that change is inevitable in the modern world, and organizations that resist it risk becoming irrelevant. Finally, the cost of implementing health information technology should be viewed as a key investment in the enhancement of quality, safety, and efficiency of care in healthcare settings. On balance, the case for adopting and implementing health information technology in healthcare institutions is strong and well-supported.

References

Balgrosky, J. A. (2014). Essentials of health information systems and technology. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Ciampa, M., & Revels, M. (2012). Introduction to healthcare information technology. Cengage Learning.

Joseph, T. (2013). Healthcare information technology innovation and sustainability: Frontiers and adoption. IGI Global.

Young, K. M., & Kroth, P. J. (2017). Sultz & Young's health care USA (9th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.