Summarize Overview in your own words.
Overview
It is important to understand what a health record is and the different components that comprise a health record. There are different types and purposes of health care records. No matter what type of health record it is, it will assist the health care provider with patient care.
An electronic health record (EHR) is a health record that is stored electronically on a health care information system. EHRs make it easier for health care providers to access and search for patient information quickly by using a computer network to access the EHR and find specific information.
This week you will identify the purpose and main components of an EHR database, which will allow you to store and search data. Knowing the different components of a database and how the database stores, searches, and presents data will help you understand how information systems store and use health information within the health care industry.
What you will cover
1. Fundamentals of information systems and databases
a. Explain the difference between computer hardware and software.
1) Hardware is what can be physically seen
a) Central Processing Unit
b) Memory
c) Storage
d) Input and output devices
2) Software is used to direct the operation of the computer
a) Operating systems consist of software programs to operate the computer hardware
b) Applications
(1) Application software
b. Define a health record.
1) A collection of your health information and medical records
2) Paper records
3) Electronic records
a) Electronic Medical records
(1) Digital version of patient charts
(2) Contain notes and information collected by clinicians
(3) Use by providers for diagnosis and treatment
(4) More valuable than paper records
b) Electronic health records
(1) Include comprehensive patient history, diagnoses, medications, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and lab and test results
(2) Can be managed, created and reviewed by authorized providers across more than one health care organization
c. Describe the value of an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
1) A mobile society requires a health record that is up-to-date and easily accessible
2) Does not take up physical space
2) Can access records and search patient information quickly
3) Improves quality of care and increases patient safety by providing up-to-date information
4) Increases patient education to improve control of chronic conditions
d. Identify the purpose and main components of an EHR database.
1) Information systems are used in health care to manage and organize patient information
2) The different information systems used within the health care facility must be linked to share information between departments
3) The structure that holds the collection of data is referred to as the database
4) Explain the purpose of a database
a) Data quality - errors in data entry can create repercussions
(1) Clinical errors can harm patients
(2) Coding and billing errors create financial losses
(3) Inaccurate research data
b) Allows data to be searched
c) Presents data solely based on search criteria
d) Examples of search criteria
(1) Patient demographics
(2) Insurance information
(3) Diagnosis
(4) Provider
5) Identify the main components of a database.
a) Character: the smallest unit of data, made up of letters, numbers, a space, or punctuation marks
b) Field: separates data into defined units
c) Record: made up of groups of fields
d) File or table: made up of groups of like records