Assignment Objectives

Explain the merits and attributes of information system within a healthcare organization and the expectations of these systems in response to federal, state and local policies and the protection of patient records.

Assess the operational support provided an organization through forward facing user interfaces and permitted data access.

Plan system design changes from a user/department perspective that enhance operational performance, customer support or data mining research.

Differentiate between Mainframe, Mini-computer and PC Networks and the advantages each bring to centralized and distributed processing.

Compose an operational plan to roll data or application's functionality to another platform or application.

Assignment Description:

You have been asked by your health care organization to provide a detailed report on the benefits of implementing a new health information technology system to comply with the current mandates. Develop a report of 10-12 pages detailing how information technology systems can be used to analyze organizational data for a health care organization. This should include types of systems where data may be retrieved and how IT and various applications can be used to aggregate and analyze the data to understand issues, identify root causes, and document progress related to implemented changes, patient progress, quality assurance, and compliance. Make sure to address the following questions:

With plenty of data stored on computer systems, data should not be a problem, but access to the data and sharing of information may have implications under federal regulations. What precautions might you suggest when handling health care data? Be sure to apply current trends in health care from proven sources and models.

Consider the support capabilities of a typical health care operation and where employees may access data of various types related to patient needs. What might be accessed, and what controls may be needed to protect patient data?

From a departmental perspective, consider the role of the health information manager (HIM). What qualifications and experience would be needed for your specific health care setting? What functions and role would the HIM have in regard to this organization's medical records?
As technology advances, what compliance issues and regulations do health care managers at this organization need to be on top of?

Consider the impact of falling behind the technology curve not only in terms of productivity but regulatory compliance. What role do the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Acts have on the implementation and use of technology and electronic health records (EHRs) at this setting?