Why automate your hospital processes when your staff has the calibre and expertise to perform them manually? Why the unnecessary cost? Aiming to clear that confusion, the article explores the advantages of implementing an integrated healthcare information system and hospital processes’ changes.
Easy Access To Patient Data
A well-implemented IHIS means readily available patient data to the care providers. It is only a matter of a few clicks, and all the requisite information about a patient from various departments in the hospital can be available on the screen. For example, if the treating doctor needs to re-check the test reports, she need not look for the IPD file; logging into the information system will give her instant access to those reports, and timely treatment decisions ensue.
Cost-Effective
When implemented well, an integrated healthcare information system cuts out on a lot of manual work performed in hospitals, especially those where documentation and record-keeping are required. It helps cut down manpower because a lot of work gets automated and does not require manual intervention to store or analyze the information. It also saves much on storage and related costs.
Improved Efficiency
Processes automated using the software would mean that the processes will be taken care of mechanically without any human intervention, which will instantly ensure improved efficiency. The software will not face human problems like fatigue, miscommunication or lack of focus; it will perform every task assigned with the same accuracy day in and day out.
Reduces Scope of Error
Because processes on integrated healthcare information systems are automated, and many tasks are assigned to the software to perform with utmost accuracy with minimum human intervention, the scope of error is reduced dramatically. For instance, while billing and IDP patients for the drugs used with the information system, the bill can hardly go wrong because the drug the nurse indents are billed for until and unless there is a shortage in stock or change drug order after the indent has been sent. Per unit rate of the drug is saved in the software as part of the standard operating procedure of automation. Selecting the drug name and the quantity will enable the software to calculate the amount due accurately.
An integrated healthcare information system is more than an IT solution; it helps you rapidly offer precise information for better patient care while ensuring that the hospital operates efficiently and profitability by plugging revenue leakage. An excellent complimentary solution to an information system is a hospital insurance claims management solution to streamline how your hospital manages patient insurance claims and settlements.
