Assignment 2: IM / IT Analysis Due Week 7 Write A Five To Si

Assignment 2: IM / IT Analysis Due Week 7 Write a five to six (5-6) page paper

Determine, within the health care setting, the main features, capabilities, and operational benefits to a health care organization using the following: a. patient care applications; b. management and enterprise systems; c. e-Health applications; d. strategic decision-support applications. Provide specific examples of each.

Assume that you are a senior health service administrator responsible for the health information systems within your organization, and create an argument to be presented to the leaders with the organization that a strategic plan is essential for the IM / IT. Indicate the most significant elements that the administrator should address in the plan. Provide support for the rationale.

Assess the importance of a systems development life cycle as it pertains to both the development of a custom application, coupled with the selection of proprietary systems. Provide an example to support the response.

Recommend the key element necessary to ensure secure access to health care and patient information within a health care management electronic system. Provide support for the recommendation.

Make at least two (2) recommendations for improving the application of systems theory to health care IM / IT governance and planning. Provide specific examples to support the response.

Use at least four (4) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of information technology (IT) within healthcare organizations has transformed the landscape of patient care, management processes, and strategic decision-making. As healthcare continues to evolve amidst technological advancements, understanding the core features and benefits of various health information systems becomes essential for effective organizational operation and improved patient outcomes.

Main Features, Capabilities, and Operational Benefits in Healthcare IT

Healthcare organizations leverage a variety of information systems, each serving specific roles that collectively enhance operational efficiency and patient care quality. Patient care applications are foundational, offering electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), and telemedicine platforms. For example, EHRs allow clinicians quick access to patient information, reducing errors and facilitating coordinated care (Buntin et al., 2011). Management and enterprise systems include hospital information systems (HIS), financial management, and human resource applications, streamlining administrative processes. For instance, an integrated HIS consolidates patient billing, appointment scheduling, and resource management, leading to cost reductions and improved workflow efficiency (Yen et al., 2020). E-Health applications expand access to healthcare through mobile health (mHealth) apps and remote monitoring devices, which improve patient engagement and chronic disease management (Hamine et al., 2015). Strategic decision-support applications utilize analytics and big data to guide policy and operational decisions; for example, predictive analytics can forecast patient admission trends, optimizing staffing and resource allocation (Kuo et al., 2019). Collectively, these systems improve clinical outcomes, reduce operational costs, and support strategic planning.

The Importance of a Strategic IT Plan from a Healthcare Administrator’s Perspective

As a senior health service administrator, articulating the necessity of a comprehensive strategic IT plan is fundamental for aligning technological initiatives with organizational goals. A well-crafted plan ensures that health information systems (HIS) investments support clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. The strategic plan should include key elements such as clear objectives for system implementation, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, risk management, compliance strategies, and technology-roadmapping (Bardach et al., 2020). An effective plan facilitates prioritization, minimizes redundancy, and prepares the organization for future technological developments, including interoperability and cybersecurity challenges. The rationale for this approach lies in the rapid pace of technological change; without a cohesive strategy, organizations risk investing in obsolete or incompatible systems, ultimately compromising patient safety and data security (Vogels et al., 2019). Thus, strategic planning ensures sustainable growth and operational resilience.

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in Healthcare IT

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) provides a structured framework for planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining healthcare information systems. Whether developing custom applications or selecting proprietary solutions, SDLC ensures that systems meet user requirements, comply with regulations, and align with organizational objectives. For example, when developing a custom clinical decision support tool, phases such as requirements analysis, design, testing, and deployment ensure thorough vetting of functionalities before go-live (Satzinger et al., 2016). Conversely, selecting proprietary systems involves evaluating vendors’ SDLC processes, ensuring that their development lifecycle aligns with the organization’s needs for interoperability, security, and scalability. An instance of SDLC application is the implementation of a new EHR system, where phases ensure stakeholder involvement, rigorous testing, and training to minimize disruptions (Kellogg et al., 2018). Overall, employing SDLC enhances project success rates, mitigates risks, and guarantees that healthcare IT solutions are effective and compliant.

Securing Access to Healthcare and Patient Information

Ensuring secure access to healthcare data is critical to protect patient privacy, maintain trust, and comply with legal standards. One essential element is robust authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to verify their identity through multiple methods (Gordon et al., 2016). MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, especially in the context of cybersecurity threats targeting health information systems. Additionally, encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit safeguard sensitive information from interception or breaches (Suresh et al., 2020). Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that users can only access data pertinent to their role, further minimizing insider threats. For instance, limiting administrative privileges to designated personnel reduces exposure to sensitive patient data. Combining these security measures creates a multilayered defense, vital for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of healthcare information systems (WHO, 2021).

Applying Systems Theory to Healthcare IM / IT Governance and Planning

Effective governance and planning in healthcare IT can benefit from the application of systems theory, which views organizations as interconnected and dynamic entities. First, adopting a holistic approach by integrating systems thinking facilitates better coordination among silos, such as clinical, administrative, and technical departments. For example, implementing a unified health information exchange (HIE) enables seamless data sharing across multiple entities, improving continuity of care (Vest et al., 2019). Second, developing feedback loops within the IT governance framework ensures continuous improvement and adaptation. Regular performance assessments and stakeholder feedback help refine systems and processes, aligning technology deployment with evolving clinical and organizational needs. For instance, iterative system upgrades based on user feedback enhance usability and staff satisfaction (Keen et al., 2017). These recommendations leverage systems theory to optimize resource utilization, foster innovation, and adapt successfully to change within complex healthcare environments.

References

• Bardach, J. E., et al. (2020). Strategic planning in healthcare: Frameworks and applications. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 263-276.
• Buntin, M. B., et al. (2011). The benefits of health information technology: A review of the recent literature shows predominantly positive results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464–471.
• Gordon, W. J., et al. (2016). Multi-factor authentication in healthcare: Enhancing security and compliance. Journal of Medical Systems, 40(1), 14.
• Hamine, S., et al. (2015). Impact of mHealth chronic disease management on treatment adherence and patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 17(2), e52.
• Kellogg, M., et al. (2018). Systematic approach to implementation of electronic health records in hospitals. Journal of Hospital Administration, 7(2), 45-55.
• Keen, P., et al. (2017). Systems thinking in healthcare organizations: Enhancing performance through iterative feedback. Journal of Organizational Science, 11(4), 377-391.
• Kuo, K. M., et al. (2019). Big data and analytics in healthcare: Challenges and opportunities. Healthcare, 7(3), 78.
• Satzinger, P. B., et al. (2016). Systems analysis and design, 6th edition. Cengage Learning.
• Suresh, S., et al. (2020). Data security in healthcare information systems: Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 135, 104092.
• Vogels, C., et al. (2019). Strategic IT planning in health organizations: Frameworks and best practices. Journal of Health Information Management, 33(2), 49-58.
• Vest, J. R., et al. (2019). Health information exchange and interoperability: The key to achieving a learning health system. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 26(9), 870-875.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Privacy and security in health information systems: Frameworks and best practices. WHO Publications.