John Hopkins Hospital is found in Maryland, USA and opened its doors more than a century ago. It was founded by a merchant named John Hopkins. He started the hospital as way of helping the poor in Baltimore, by giving charity as well as providing health care for those able to pay. He left behind resources required to carry out the following tasks: To care for the patients in the best way, Search for knowledge to advance the care, and Train and equip the next generation to take on these duties in the best way possible (Greaves, 2006).
The hospital trains nurses, physicians and scientists of tomorrow. They also do their best to diagnose and treat all manner of diseases. They mainly deal with cancer, obstetrics, heart diseases, dentistry, dermatology, ear, nose and throat among others (Shortliffe and Cimino,1999). John Hopkins continually makes news for making medical discoveries and new therapies. The hospital was number one in the News and World Report‘s Annual rankings for the 20th consecutive time (Shortliffe and Cimino,1999). John Hopkins cares for local, national and international patients in its three acute-care plan and hospitals. The hospital’s mission is setting patient’s care standards of excellence by improving both community’s and world’s health. Its vision is to be the world’s top health care establishment. Its core values include: integrity, respect, excellence, inclusion, discovery, leadership, diversity and collegiality (Greaves, 2006).
Item 2: Described users of the health information at this facility.
John Hopkins cares for local, national and international patients in its three acute-care program and hospitals (Shortliffe and Cimino,1999). Local patients come from within Baltimore area; national patients from within America while international are from the rest of the world. Health information from this facility is also used by students in the medical school as well as visitors within the premises (Greaves, 2006).
Item 3: Described how users (mentioned in the prior section) access health information.
Information can be acquired from information desks situated all over hospital and campus to give directions, answer questions and offer help in any possible way. Visitors acquire assistance from Guest Services representatives who are situated at the hospital’s main entrance. They offer legal services, accommodation information, delivery services and any other special requests(Greaves, 2006). Visitors requiring information about their patients in critical care and theatres can get assistance from Patient Representatives. International patients can get information from the customer care desk, including interpreters, travel, medical appointments and transportation. Also available to patients who are deaf or impaired of hearing are interpreters of sign languages. Patient safety videos and handbooks are also available in the hospital. Incase one loses their valuables within the premises, they can check with the Lost and Found Security office (Shortliffe and Cimino,1999).
Item 4: Provided comments and conclusions.
The John Hopkins hospital is one of the best hospitals in the world due to its excellent care of its patients. This can be seen by the awards it has won over the years and the number of years it has been in existence – over a century. It keeps up to date with the changing times. This is seen in their constant upgrading of the existing information systems as well as undertaking research on new disease treatments and prevention.
The hospital has well-trained personnel and latest equipments. It is easily accessible to all who require it. This can be seen by the fact that the patients, visitors and students in this facility come from allover the world. This can also be attributed to the fact that physicians in this facility are known to diagnose and treat all manner of diseases.
The hospital offers an environment that is friendly and welcoming. Anyone requiring information can easily access it from patient representatives as well as customer care and information desks situated within the facility. Smooth leaning of the hospital’s facilities is enabled by its well established communication systems. Security and safety measures are a priority in the hospital as seen by the c\video CCTV cameras situated allover the facility complex. This accords the visitors and patients round-the-clock security and keeps them at ease.
REFERENCE
Greaves, A. (2006). Biomedical Informatics: Retrieved December 8th2010 from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/the_johns_hopkins_hospital/index.html
Shortliffe, H and Cimino, J. (1999). Information Technology in Systems of Care. London: Delfin Press.
