The Use Of Health Information Technology Has Increased ✓ Solved

The Use Of Health Information Technology Hit Has Increase

The use of health information technology (HIT) has increased dramatically over the past decade, resulting in the federal government enacting several pieces of legislation such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. Continuing to build on your proposal for a healthcare facility from Weeks 1 and 2, you are assigned to research and discuss the following:

Discuss the financial and health benefits that can be realized by implementing an electronic health record (EHR). Research and explain the estimated cost of implementing an EHR and the estimated cost of managing an EHR over the long run.

Discuss current security concerns surrounding HIT and the EHR. Discuss how electronic health records can be used for decision-making and problem-solving. Choose 1 piece of federal legislation (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH Act, Meaningful Use), and discuss the requirements that legislation imposes on the use of HIT and the EHR.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution and adoption of Health Information Technology (HIT) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have transformed modern healthcare. Their implementation promises significant financial, clinical, and operational benefits. However, alongside these advantages come concerns related to security, privacy, and legislative compliance. This paper explores the benefits of EHR adoption, assesses the costs involved, examines current security issues, illustrates how EHRs facilitate decision-making, and analyzes the impact of federal legislation such as HIPAA on EHR use.

Financial and Health Benefits of Implementing EHR

The adoption of EHR systems yields numerous benefits, including improved quality of care, increased efficiency, and cost savings. Firstly, EHRs streamline administrative processes such as billing, scheduling, and documentation, thereby reducing operational costs (Hillestad et al., 2005). Additionally, clinical benefits include accurate and real-time access to patient data, which enhances diagnostic accuracy and facilitates better treatment plans (Boonstra & Broekhuis, 2010). From a health perspective, EHRs improve patient safety through alert systems for allergies and medication interactions, reducing adverse events (Bates et al., 2003).

Financial benefits extend into reduced duplicative testing and improved chronic disease management, leading to decreased hospital readmissions and emergency visits (Classen et al., 2010). Studies indicate that EHR implementation can lead to significant cost reductions over time, although initial costs are substantial (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Beyond cost savings, EHRs foster enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction by providing access to personal health information and promoting data-driven care (Kobayashi et al., 2014).

Cost of Implementing and Managing EHR Systems

The initial costs of adopting an EHR system are considerable. These expenses include software acquisition, hardware upgrades, staff training, and workflow restructuring. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS, 2020), the average cost for a medium-sized healthcare facility ranges from $50,000 to over $300,000 depending on the complexity and scope of the system. Large hospitals may spend millions to fully implement comprehensive EHR systems.

Long-term costs involve maintenance, technical support, software updates, security measures, and continuous staff training. Managed services such as cloud-based EHRs can lower some ongoing expenses but require robust cybersecurity provisions (HIMSS Analytics, 2018). Overall, while upfront costs are high, the ongoing management costs tend to decrease as staffs become proficient with system use, and workflows become optimized (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).

Current Security Concerns Surrounding HIT and EHR

Despite the benefits, HIT and EHR systems face critical security challenges. Cybersecurity threats, including hacking, ransomware, and insider breaches, jeopardize patient confidentiality and data integrity (Sommerkamp et al., 2018). The sensitive nature of health information makes HIT a prime target for cybercriminals, requiring robust security policies and technological safeguards.

Furthermore, the expanded access points due to telehealth and mobile health apps increase vulnerability. Healthcare organizations must implement multifactor authentication, encryption, and continuous monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access (Krell et al., 2019). Compliance with legislation like HIPAA requires safeguarding protected health information (PHI) through administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

Use of EHRs in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

EHRs serve as a crucial tool for clinical decision-making by providing comprehensive, up-to-date patient data. Decision support systems embedded within EHRs assist providers by offering alerts for allergies, contraindications, or abnormal lab results, thereby reducing errors (Ancker et al., 2017). EHRs facilitate evidence-based practice by integrating clinical guidelines and research data directly into the clinician’s workflow.

Furthermore, EHR data analytics enable population health management, tracking disease trends, and identifying high-risk groups. During complex cases, EHRs allow multidisciplinary teams to communicate efficiently, coordinate care plans, and monitor patient outcomes effectively (Himmelstein & Wright, 2019). These capabilities contribute to more informed, timely clinical decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Federal Legislation: The HITECH Act and Its Impact on EHR Use

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 significantly accelerated EHR adoption across healthcare settings. It provided financial incentives through Medicare and Medicaid for demonstrating "meaningful use" of EHR technology (Kellermann & Jones, 2013). The legislation set clear requirements aimed at improving care quality, safety, and efficiency.

HITECH mandates that healthcare providers meet specific standards for data capture, clinical decision support, and privacy protection to qualify for incentive payments. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting patient privacy through Breach Notification Rules and enforcement of HIPAA compliance (Blumenthal & Tavenner, 2010). The law incentivizes not only system adoption but also meaningful utilization, ensuring that EHRs are leveraged effectively for improved patient care and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The rising adoption of HIT and EHR systems offers substantial benefits to healthcare providers, patients, and the entire health system. While the financial investments are significant, the long-term gains in quality, safety, and efficiency are well-documented. Addressing security concerns through advanced safeguards, understanding the legislative landscape, and utilizing EHRs for clinical decision-making are essential for realizing the full potential of health information technology.

References

• Bates, D. W., Cohen, M., Leape, L. L., et al. (2003). Reducing preventable adverse drug events: busines process redesign and technological innovation. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 10(5), 482–490.
• Blumenthal, D., & Tavenner, M. (2010). The “Meaningful Use” regulation for electronic health records. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(6), 501-504.
• Classen, D. C., Resar, R., Farrugia, B., et al. (2010). 'I Ike process': Applying the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology to implementing safe medication practice. BMJ Quality & Safety, 19(3), 300–305.
• HIMSS Analytics. (2018). The Cost of Implementing and Managing EHR Systems. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
• Himmelstein, D. U., & Wright, A. (2019). The Inevitable Consequences of EHRs on Patient Care. Annals of Internal Medicine, 171(3), 253-254.
• Kellermann, A. L., & Jones, S. S. (2013). What It Will Take To Achieve The As-Yet-Unfulfilled Promises Of Health Information Technology. Health Affairs, 32(1), 63-68.
• Kobayashi, A., Manca, D. P., & Patil, S. P. (2014). Impact of Electronic Health Record Implementation on Patient Engagement. Journal of Medical Systems, 38(3), 1-8.
• Krell, A., Gerber, F., & Schönweiler, R. (2019). Cybersecurity Challenges in Electronic Health Records. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(6), e12423.
• Menachemi, N., & Collum, T. H. (2011). Advantages and disadvantages of electronic health record systems. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 4, 47–55.
• Sommerkamp, P. P., Dube, S., & Medina, J. (2018). Cybersecurity risks in healthcare: The role of electronic health records. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 32(2), 12-20.