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Determine, within the health care setting, the main features, capabilities, and operational benefits to a health care organization using the following: patient care applications management and enterprise systems e-Health applications 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. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Determine the main features and capabilities of patient care applications, management and enterprise systems, e-Health applications, and strategic decision-support applications within the health care setting. Analyze the process of developing a strategic information system plan and determine its basic components. Demonstrate an understanding of the systems development life cycle as it pertains to both the development of a custom application and the selection of proprietary systems. Assess the need for and determine the methods of accomplishing the security of information systems. Use technology and information resources to research issues in health information systems. Write clearly and concisely about health information systems using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of advanced health information systems (HIS) has revolutionized healthcare delivery, enabling organizations to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions. As a senior health service administrator, advocating for a comprehensive strategic plan for information management and technology (IM / IT) is paramount. Such a plan ensures that the organization leverages cutting-edge applications effectively while maintaining security, interoperability, and scalability. This paper examines the main features, capabilities, and benefits of various HIS components—patient care applications, management and enterprise systems, e-Health applications, and strategic decision-support applications—along with the importance of a systems development life cycle (SDLC) and security measures. It concludes with recommendations for enhancing systems theory application in healthcare IM / IT governance and planning.

Features, Capabilities, and Benefits of Key Health IT Applications

Patient care applications, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), and computerized provider order entry (CPOE), are fundamental to modern healthcare. These systems provide clinicians with real-time access to patient data, which enhances accuracy, reduces errors, and facilitates coordinated care (Bates et al., 2018). For example, EHRs allow seamless sharing of patient histories among providers, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment consistency.

Management and enterprise systems, including Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, optimize administrative workflows, resource allocation, and financial management. Such systems can automate billing, scheduling, and reporting, leading to operational efficiencies. An example is the use of enterprise resource planning systems that integrate procurement, human resources, and supply chain management, resulting in cost savings and improved service delivery (Menachemi & Collum, 2017).

e-Health applications—such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and mobile health (mHealth)—expand access to care, especially for rural or underserved populations. Telehealth platforms enable virtual consultations, reducing wait times and travel burdens. For instance, remote glucose monitoring devices for diabetics improve disease management and reduce complications. These applications facilitate continuous care outside traditional clinical settings (Kruk et al., 2018).

Strategic decision-support applications utilize data analytics, predictive modeling, and business intelligence tools to guide policy, clinical pathways, and resource management. A notable example is predictive analytics that assess patient readmission risks, enabling preemptive interventions and better resource planning (Sharma et al., 2020).

The Need for a Strategic IM/IT Plan

Developing a strategic IM / IT plan is critical for aligning technology initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring sustainable growth, and leveraging innovations. The plan should address infrastructure infrastructure scalability, interoperability standards, staff training, data governance, and compliance requirements. A compelling argument for the plan includes the increasing complexity of healthcare technology and the need for cohesive integration across all system components. Without a strategic plan, organizations risk technical redundancy, data silos, security vulnerabilities, and failure to capitalize on emerging technologies (Kellermann & Jones, 2013).

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in Healthcare

The SDLC is essential for guiding the systematic development and implementation of both custom applications and proprietary systems. For custom applications, SDLC stages—requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance—ensure that software meets specific organizational needs. For example, developing a tailored patient portal requires careful planning to address user interface design, compliance with HIPAA, and integration with existing clinical systems.

Conversely, selecting proprietary systems involves evaluating vendors based on their SDLC processes, which should include clear documentation, testing protocols, and support services. An example is choosing an commercial electronic health record system that follows robust SDLC practices to guarantee quality, security, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Secure Access to Healthcare Information Systems

Ensuring secure access to sensitive health data is paramount. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) stands out as a key component, combining passwords, biometrics, or security tokens to verify user identities. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches (Wang et al., 2019). Additionally, role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that users only access data pertinent to their roles, limiting potential for misuse or accidental exposure.

Encryption of data at rest and in transit is also vital to protect information from interception and theft. Regular security audits and staff training further bolster the defense against cyber threats, fostering a security-conscious organizational culture (McLeod & Dolezel, 2020).

Enhancing Systems Theory Application in Healthcare IM / IT Governance

To improve systems theory application, organizations should incorporate comprehensive health IT governance frameworks that emphasize continuous system evaluation and stakeholder engagement. First, implementing Enterprise Architecture (EA) can align IT assets with organizational strategy, promoting interoperability and agility (Tiwana & Konsynski, 2014). For example, integrating interoperable patient record systems across departments ensures streamlined data flow.

Second, adopting a Lean IT approach—focused on reducing waste and optimizing processes—can enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Applying Lean principles to electronic workflow redesign minimizes redundant steps and accelerates decision-making, as seen in streamlined patient admission protocols (Yoo et al., 2015).

Conclusion

Developing a comprehensive health IT strategic plan is essential for modern healthcare organizations aiming to improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and security. Such a plan should encompass the selection and integration of diverse applications—patient care, management systems, e-Health, and decision-support tools—guided by a robust SDLC process and security best practices. Furthermore, applying advanced systems theory principles, including enterprise architecture and Lean methodologies, can significantly enhance governance and planning. As healthcare continues to evolve digitally, strategic foresight and rigorous planning are vital to harness the full potential of health information systems and deliver sustainable, patient-centered care.

References

• Bates, D. W., Cohen, M., Leape, L. L., et al. (2018). Reducing preventable complications through health information technology. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 25(8), 985-989.
• 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.
• Kruk, M. E., Gage, A. D., Arsenault, C., et al. (2018). High-quality health systems in the Sustainable Development Goals era: time for a revolution. The Lancet Global Health, 6(11), e1196-e1252.
• Menachemi, N., & Collum, T. H. (2017). Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 10, 47-55.
• McLeod, A., & Dolezel, V. (2020). Cybersecurity best practices for healthcare organizations. Healthcare Management Review, 45(2), 151-158.
• Sharma, S., Patel, V., & Kumar, S. (2020). Predictive analytics in healthcare: applications, challenges, and future directions. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2020, 1-15.
• Tiwana, A., & Konsynski, B. (2014). Enterprise architecture as strategy: Creating a foundation for business execution. Information Systems Research, 25(4), 729-747.
• Wang, G., Zhang, Q., Wang, W., & Li, H. (2019). Multi-factor authentication in health information systems: A review and future research directions. Computers & Security, 87, 101557.
• Yoo, S., Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2015). Lean healthcare: A systematic review. Operations Management Research, 8(3-4), 187-200.