Health Information Management
Health IT companies often deal with data ranging from medical records to daily operations. IT professionals must protect sensitive data and records from loss. Furthermore, large amounts of data must be acquired and analyzed into meaningful connections [1]. This is where health information management comes in. Health information professionals ensure that health records and medical information are properly protected, collected, and analyzed in order to prioritize patient safety and outcome [1].
Data Migration & Conversion
Data mitigation focuses on the storage and management of data [2]. Oftentimes, this requires electronic health records and other sensitive patient data to be carefully managed and shifted from one system to another. Data conversion is a process that must be done during migration when data needs to be transformed from one format to another [3]. Furthermore, data must be carefully extracted and converted to protect it against data loss and privacy concerns. Oftentimes, data migration is done when the current system or technology no longer meets the needs of the consumer [2]. There are different ways that this process can be completed.
Self-Scripted Tools
This process is often used for smaller amounts of data that need transferring [2]. However, this process is not as common since medical data is not usually organized.
On-Premise Tools
On-premise tools are used during mergers or acquisitions since a large amount of data will be transferred within the same network [2]. This tool is often used when privacy concerns restrict the use of cloud tools [2].
Cloud Tools
This process is more advanced since IT professionals can store large amounts of data from various systems. Furthermore, customers can choose between different levels of security and data management.
Data Integration
Data integration is the process of combining data from various sources into one unified system [4]. This allows patient health records to be in one place and promotes valuable connections. Data integration can also be used to provide insight on how to improve a hospital’s quality of care while reducing costs [4]. Overall, it is crucial for different systems to be compatible with one another in order to promote collaboration.
Common Challenges with Data Integration
One of the common challenges with data integration is the difficulty of working with different systems and departments to create a uniform system [4]. Additionally, this may cause some data to be lost or converted into a lower-quality format [4]. Furthermore, each hospital has its own standards that must be followed. Therefore, finding common ground between multiple systems requires lots of communication and collaboration. Lastly, there are various privacy regulations that must be followed so that data in transition is secured [4].
Gap Analysis
Gap analysis is the process of ensuring requirements are met. Sometimes, reality may not line up with the desired use of time, money, and labor. Therefore, a gap analysis is an effective tool to use when solving issues such as the lack of patient satisfaction. There are four common steps in a gap analysis. The first step is to clearly establish what the problem is [5]. The next step is to identify what the gold standard would look like [5]. The third step is to determine what discrepancy is causing the gap between reality and the desired outcome [5]. Finally, the last step is to implement a plan of action in order to close the gap and meet optimal conditions [5].
Business Process Re-Engineering
Business process re-engineering refocuses the company’s goals in order to decrease costs, improve product quality, and meet overall business goals [6]. The company can meet functional requirements and improve productivity by reorganizing the business process.
HITS
HITS provides management services that promote safe, effective, timely, and patient-centered care. Furthermore, HITS focuses on transforming health care by analyzing medical solutions and designing technological innovations. Having the right team take care of information management is crucial in enhancing individual and population health outcomes, improving patient care, and strengthening the clinician-patient relationship. If you’re looking for the right team, HITS is it! You can reach out to us directly at info@healthitsol.com. Check out this link if you’re interested in having a 15-minute consultation with us: https://bit.ly/3RLsRXR.
References
- https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/career-tools/career-pages/health-information-101/#:~:text=What%20is%20Health%20Information%20Management,%2C%20science%2C%20and%20information%20technology
- https://cprimestudios.com/blog/healthcare-data-migration-tools-problems-and-solutions
- https://www.harmonyhit.com/services/data-services/migration/
- https://www.capminds.com/blog/healthcare-data-integration-all-in-one-guide-for-practices/
- https://www.cpd.utoronto.ca/newsletter/2009_fall/Quick_Tips_initiating_a_learning_needs_assesment__Gap_Analysis_of_health_care_issues.pdf
- https://www.bain.com/insights/management-tools-business-process-reengineering/#:~:text=en-,Business%20Process%20Reengineering%20involves%20the%20radical%20redesign%20of%20core%20business,more%20value%20to%20the%20customer
