HIM-500 Southern New Hampshire University – Technology System Recommendations: In this final section of your final project, you will review the provided technology options and make

Technology System Recommendations: In this final section of your final project, you will review the provided technology options and make informed recommendations to the organization regarding which technology it should choose. A. Determine the needs of the various roles of the organization in a new technology. B. Recommend a new health information technology system that meets the following criteria. Be sure to justify how your recommendations meet the criteria. The new health technology must:

1. Abide by provided health regulations and laws

A. Align with the needs of all staff members of the previously described organization

B. Ensure the ethical management and use of health information

C. Determine how the organization could more effectively invest its financial resources into the recommended technology system. Be sure to justify your response.

D. Determine how the organization could monitor the use of the new health information system. Be sure to justify your response.

E. Determine how the organization could effectively invest its time into the implementation of the new health information technology system. Be sure to justify your response.

ANSWER

Technology System Recommendations for an Efficient Health Information Management

Introduction

Implementing a new health information technology system requires careful consideration of various factors, including compliance with regulations, alignment with staff needs, ethical management of health information, financial investment, monitoring usage, and effective implementation. This essay aims to provide recommendations for a health technology system that satisfies these criteria and ensures an efficient health information management process for the organization.

Aligning with Staff Needs

To determine the needs of the various roles within the organization, it is crucial to involve representatives from different departments, including healthcare providers, administrators, IT personnel, and support staff. Conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups can help gather valuable insights (Ayala & Elder, 2011). Based on the feedback received, the recommended technology system should be user-friendly, intuitive, and tailored to meet the specific requirements of each role. It should streamline workflows, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration among staff members.

Ethical Management and Use of Health Information

Protecting the privacy and security of health information is of utmost importance. The recommended technology system should adhere to all applicable health regulations and laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States (Nass, 2009). It should include robust security measures like data encryption, user access controls, and audit trails to prevent unauthorized access, breaches, and data leaks. Regular security audits and staff training on privacy and ethical information management practices are also essential.

Effective Financial Resource Investment

To ensure the organization’s financial resources are effectively invested in the new technology system, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted. The analysis should consider factors such as upfront costs, maintenance fees, scalability, and potential long-term savings. The recommended system should offer a balance between affordability and functionality. Open-source or cloud-based solutions may be considered as they often offer cost savings, flexibility, and regular updates without the need for significant infrastructure investments.

Monitoring Usage of the New System

Monitoring the use of the new health information system is crucial to identify any issues, assess user adoption, and ensure compliance with organizational policies. The recommended system should provide comprehensive reporting capabilities, allowing administrators to track user activity, access patterns, and system performance (Ehrenstein, 2019). Real-time alerts and automated monitoring tools can help detect and mitigate any unauthorized or suspicious activities. Regular audits and periodic reviews of system usage should be conducted to ensure adherence to established protocols.

Effective Time Investment in Implementation

Efficient implementation of the new health information technology system requires careful planning, resource allocation, and staff training. To optimize time investment, the organization should consider the following steps:

1. Establish a dedicated implementation team comprising representatives from relevant departments to oversee the process and ensure effective communication and coordination.
2. Develop a detailed implementation plan with specific milestones, timelines, and resource requirements. This plan should consider potential challenges and contingencies.
3. Conduct thorough training sessions for staff members to familiarize them with the new system’s features, functionalities, and best practices. Training should be tailored to individual roles and delivered in a manner that minimizes disruption to daily operations.
4. Gradually transition to the new system, allowing for parallel operations and support during the transition period. This approach ensures a smooth transition and minimizes the risk of critical errors or disruptions.
5. Continuously monitor the implementation process, seek feedback from staff, and make necessary adjustments to address any issues or concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right health information technology system is crucial for an organization’s efficient management of health information. By considering the needs of staff members, ethical management of information, effective financial resource investment, monitoring usage, and optimizing implementation time, the organization can make an informed decision. Implementing a well-aligned and robust technology system will not only ensure compliance with regulations but also enhance productivity, collaboration, and the overall quality of healthcare services provided.

References 

Ayala, G. X., & Elder, J. P. (2011). Qualitative methods to ensure acceptability of behavioral and social interventions to the target population. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 71, S69–S79. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.2011.00241.x 

Ehrenstein, V. (2019, October 1). Obtaining Data From Electronic Health Records. Tools and Technologies for Registry Interoperability, Registries for Evaluating Patient Outcomes: A User’s Guide, 3rd Edition, Addendum 2 – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551878/ 

Nass, S. J. (2009). The Value and Importance of Health Information Privacy. Beyond the HIPAA Privacy Rule – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9579/