MHI Case, Term Paper Example

Introduction

Irregularities occurring with the electronic health record system includeincomplete or delayed patient information; incomplete or incorrect orders from physicians; difficulty trackinglaboratory and radiology orders and nursing assistants make frequent errors recording patient vitals.Precisely, a summary of the dysfunction was described as errors related to patient medication, misplaced lab results and delays in updating patient charts. Consequently, critical incidences have escalated, which were directly associated to incorrectly medicated patients.According to Quinn’s (2003) account ‘the role of information management in clinical transformation’ overview five performance criteria are critical to successful management of electronic health record system. They are reliability; response time; accessibility; flexibility and security/privacy (Quinn, 2003).

Body

Reliability refers to how accurate is the information pushed into the system or pulled from it. Obviously, there are reliability issues within this electronic health record system. This is evidenced by incomplete or incorrect orders from physicians and frequent errors recording patient. Kitty S. Chan;Jinnet B. Fowles andJonathan P. Weiner (2010) conducted a review related to ‘Electronic Health Records and the Reliability and Validity of Quality Measures.’ The researchers conclude that the complexity of electronic health record system compromise data quality affecting reliability/validity. Hence, staff training as well as employing vendors that use reliable software compatible with HIPPA regulations could resolve some of system dysfunctions being experienced (Chan; Fowles & Weiner, 2010).

Response time describes how fast the system works in transferring data from one portal to the next.Delayed patient information and updating patient charts are response time system dysfunctions. Quinn (2003) acknowledged that it is difficult to assess an electronic health record system response time before it is implemented. This is reason for selecting credible vendors that use reliable software. Generally, since electronic health records technology is still in its creative stages even vendors cannot guarantee a favorable response time rate for users although when thoroughly researched before system implementation. The only solution advance form this issue is putting pressure on the vendor to correct the system by improving response time (Quinn, 2003).

Accessibility difficulties relate to the problem of misplaced lab results and difficulty tracking laboratory and radiology orders. For an electronic health record system to be accessible it must flawlessly be integrated into a caregiver’s workflow program. When there is difficulty in accessing information from the system end users will automatically reject any data pushed to them from it. Hence,of misplaced lab results and difficulty tracking reports. One reason tendered for this irregularity is that vendors usually contract other vendors to build access devices into the system(Quinn, 2003).

So often these hardware constructions prove incompatible and create numerous problems within databases. Three solutions have been advanced which can be used since this dysfunction may take years to resolve. First insist that vendors improve their software quality to address the issue. Next, train staff in techniques used for accessing the system efficiently and have vendors update the data base regularly (Kierkegaard, 2011).

Flexibility relates to costs of managing the system. Costs could be financial as well as credibility. Inevitably credibility will push costsof managing the health care organization up.Critical incidences have escalated, which were directly associated to incorrectly medicated patients. These are liability issues initiating lawsuits, which cost neither healthcare provider nor organization, would want to carry despite the adequacy of malpractice insurance coverage. These issues tarnish the organization’s reputation as well as that of providers and staff (Quinn, 2003).

As such, amidst numerous errors and malfunctioning electronic health record system an important question the Chief Technology Offer (CTO) need to ask the vendors at this point How/what flexibility was built into the system distinct to the organization’s goals/purpose? Many irregularities occur regarding flexibility because some vendors have ‘a one fit all’ approach towards electronic health record implementation. Consequently the design which was used form a single provider’s office may not be appropriate for a clinical setting. However the same software applications may be used, which may not be built to carry a different type of work flow (Quinn, 2003).

Subsequently, there are inconsistencies within the system manifesting asincomplete or delayed patient information; incomplete or incorrect orders from physicians; difficulty tracking laboratory and radiology orders and frequent errors recording patient vitals. A summary of the dysfunction was described as errors related to patient medication, misplaced lab results and delays in updating patient charts because there was no flexibility embedded in the hardware or software used to construct the system. Consequently, critical incidences have escalated, which were directly associated to incorrectly medicated patients(Quinn, 2003).

Conclusion

In concluding even though there are no distinct security/privacy issues surfacing at this moment, but with the present irregularities being experienced, it is imperative that security/privacy be addressed immediately before any complaints are advanced. Many institutions and government operations have been accused of confidentiality and privacy breaches due to faulty system management. HIPPA has issues update regarding mandatory software regulations pertaining to protecting patient’s data on the world-wide-wed. At this point in time it would be wise to consult with your vendor to ensure that HIPPA regulations have been met regardingsecurity/privacy and take the necessary measures to be in alignment.

Reference

Chan, K. Fowles, J., &Weiner, P. (2010).Review: Electronic Health Records and the Reliability

and Validity of Quality Measures: A Review of the Literature. Medical Care Research and Review, 67(5); 503-527

Quinn, J. (2003). The role of information management in clinical transformation.Health Technology: Special Technology Overview, 1, 203-207

Kierkegaard, P. (2011). Electronic health record: Wiring Europe’s healthcare. Computer Law & Security Review 27 (5): 503.