In view of the overall administration challenges being faced by the medical centre, the following report contains suggestion of information technology solutions to address the problems.
A major solution is wireless communications technology, IEEE 802.11b also known as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi). Devices equipped with the WiFi card can communicate and exchange information with other devices also equipped with the card. This technology is key to other technological products in a fast-paced work environment like the hospital. Most of the other technological solutions ride on this medium as a means of communication. Although security is the major concern with wireless networks, extra measures like data encryption and password-protected access will address the security issues. The use of wireless over wired devices eliminate location restrictions since they can be used anywhere within the wireless coverage area.
Also critical to any information management scheme is an independent database of medical records and information that is secure and easy to access. A robust database back-end to hold all information pertaining to patient and physicians and facilitate exchange of information between relevant personnel and units of the hospital can be developed. According to Webster (Emerging Technologies, 2004), a common pool of data can be shared between applications without worrying about incompatibilities. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Centre for Cardiovascular Bioinformatics and Modeling are already using this centralized database technology to collaborate with researchers worldwide. With this technology, all information pertaining to a patient will be uploaded and stored in the database and can be retrieved at any time by authorized personnel. Physicians will then not have to make rounds with incomplete or delayed patient information.
Furthermore, since a patient’s record in the database is unique, the unique identifier of a patient can be used to track lab orders and results. To correctly identify a patient’s order or result, the unique identifier of the patient is associated with it. To track a patient’s lab orders and results, each unit will update the patient record accordingly as it handles the order since a single database is accessed by all personnel and units. The readiness or otherwise of a patient’s lab results can then be easily determined by any medical personnel or unit that needs such information.
Personal monitoring networks consisting of wireless hand-held devices equipped with biosensors and actuators help record information about patient vitals. This information can then be sent via wireless media to a central repository of data where it can then be utilized. With a device such as this, the problem of erroneous recording of patient vitals by nursing assistants will be mitigated. Any errors obtained will be as a result of faulty biosensors and this will be closely monitored.
Mobile Healthcare Computing Devices (MHCDs) are a range of multi-function handheld wireless devices with sizes ranging from a cell phone to a tablet. These devices incorporate a Pager, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), e-mail and internet facilities. MHCDs are especially useful as real-time information resources. They can be used to access information from a central data repository and also to update information to the repository. Their relevance to health institutions is even strengthened by their ease of integration to existing systems. Information can be exchanged between the devices and existing systems via Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors.
The use of MHCDs will make it easier for medical personnel to do an on-site recording or update of patient records to the database. Since it is stored in the database that is accessible to all authorized personnel, it becomes available the instant it is uploaded. This eliminates delays in the update of patient charts and other records. MHCDs will also be employed to access the information in the database. There should be no major concern with the use of MHCDs since most people are conversant with using mobile phones and related devices.
With the implementation of these technologies, the management of patient information will be easier for all the stakeholders. Incidences of inefficiency on the part of nurses and doctors, especially due to incorrect medication will also be mitigated with proper management of patient information.
REFERENCES
Emerging Technologies (2004). Healthcare Informatics Online. Retrieved on September 2, 2007 from http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2004/01_04/cover.htm
Waegemann, C. P. and Tessier, C. (2002). Documentation Goes Wireless: A Look at Mobile Healthcare Computing Devices. Journal of AHIMA, 73 (8), 36-39.
