Introduction
AHIMA foundation conducts research in various ways in support of the association, profession and healthcare community. The organization majorly conducts evidence-based HIM practice research as well as health policy supported by grants from private organizations and the government. However, AHIMA foundation current research priority is in the area of information governance that includes informatics and analytics among others. According to their records, AHIMA foundation notes that they have conducted various researches on computer assisted coding, manpower training on HER Incentive Program and health information exchange. Research papers, proposals and reports have been successfully written by the organization and delivered to congress for evaluation (Robbins, 2013).
The Summary of Research Projects
In an article summarizing the findings from the Health Information Management (HIM) workforce, it is indicated that the profession is wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring effective management of healthcare data and patient information (AHIMA, n.d.). This is crucial in ensuring that there is a delivery of quality health care services and treatment to the public. It is also noted that the fundamentals of the Health Information Management in this organization has changed over time from paper-based to electronic based. Additionally, there is an indication that a number of health factors that have a direct impact on the health care environment are a direct concern for the Health Information Management team. The team of health professionals is rapidly responding to these changes and is therefore adept at meeting the ever changing need for real time health information at the point of delivery of care (AHIMA, 2005).
According to Brodnik and Houser (2009), it is considered important for Health Information Management body to expand the profession’s ever growing organization of knowledge through offering scholarship and research. In this manner, it will be possible for the organization to effectively meet the ever growing demands for healthcare data and information to the public through the application of the latest technology. This technology is electronic based data analysis, storage and share that enhance accuracy, reliability and efficiency. According to this research, the roles and responsibilities of health information management (HIM) professionals has drastically expanded in an attempt to meet the industry’s demand and dependence on health information technology in managing and processing the data and information. The research points out that the body of knowledge for health information management ought to be expanded accordingly as the industry transitions from paper-based health records to electronic use. This will enable the organization to meet the expectations and demand of the ever changing society (Brodnik & Houser, 2009).
It also indicated that AHIMA through AHIMA foundations has created the health information relief operations (HIRO) fund with the aim of helping health information professional communities whose professional or personal lives have been brutally interrupted by a natural calamity. An example of such victims includes those affected by the wave of tsunamis and other natural calamities across the United States in the recent years. The Health Information Relief Operation (HIRO) Fund has indicated that they provide immediate material relief and other reliefs made possible through the AHIMA foundation (HIRO, n.d.).
Conclusion
In summary, there are quite a number of research projects that have been undertaken by the AHIMA foundation on health information and records. The research projects vary from the application of current technology information health records to additional efforts or inputs that can be implemented to help the professional victims of natural disasters regain their practice or normalcy.
References:
AHIMA. (2005). Embracing the Future: New Times, New Opportunities for Health Information Managers. Retrieved from http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_027397.hcsp?dDocName=bok1_027397
AHIMA. (n.d.). The History of AHIMA Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.ahimafoundation.org/about/history.aspx
Brodnik, M. S. & Houser, S. H. (2009). Redefining the Health Information Management Scholar Role. Perspective Health Information Management, 6(1): 1-11.
Health Information Relief Operation. (n.d.). The Health Information Relief Operation (HIRO) Fund. Retrieved from http://www.ahimafoundation.org/Support/HIRO.aspx
Robbins, L. (2013). Research types. Retrieved from http://engage.ahima.org/communities/viewdiscussions/viewthread/?GroupId=355&MID=1037
