Theory in Healthcare Informatics

1. Electronic Health Records and Patient Care

The implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has brought about substantial changes in the healthcare industry by providing a reliable and efficient system for the retrieval and storage of patient data. However, concerns have been raised regarding the nature of computerized recordkeeping and the quality of patient care since the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). For example, the migration from conventional paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs) requires healthcare providers to undergo a significant reconfiguration of their operational procedures (Neves et al., 2020). Certain individuals may encounter challenges during the transition to computer-based systems, which could lead them to believe that healthcare professionals are preoccupied with the computer interface instead of the patient. The identified occurrence could be attributed to a lack of proficiency or guidance, given that using electronic health records requires a specific level of technological expertise. In addition, substandard computer system design could potentially serve as a contributing element to this issue. Should the electronic health record (EHR) system exhibit deficiencies in usability or intuitiveness, healthcare professionals might be compelled to allocate more of their time to navigate the system instead of participating in direct patient interaction (Neves et al., 2020).

The ongoing discourse relates to the implications of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for patient care delivery. Electronic health records (EHRs) have improved healthcare quality by providing practitioners with current and comprehensive patient data, according to several studies. This advancement possesses the capacity to yield enhanced patient outcomes and increased healthcare system efficiency. Conversely, some have posited that the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) could potentially yield unfavorable consequences regarding the delivery of healthcare services to patients. For example, in cases where healthcare practitioners allocate a greater amount of time engaging with the electronic health record (EHR) system compared to direct patient interaction, there exists the potential for an impact on the overall quality of treatment provided (Tactionsite, 2021).

Electronic health records (EHRs) sometimes need extensive use of checkbox selection in order to document important patient data. Although this approach demonstrates efficiency, it may not provide an accurate picture of the patient’s medical status and conditions, including their treatment. The possible difficulty arises from the insufficient level of information in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the context of a legal dispute. If a healthcare professional is accused of negligence, it might pose challenges when establishing a defense simply relying on the facts documented in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that electronic health records (EHRs) might provide advantages in legal contexts. As an example, medical records may provide a precise and reliable account of a patient’s medical background, serving as pivotal evidence in a legal proceeding (Tactionsite, 2021).

2. Telemedicine Data

Within the scope of my professional experience, organizations are already using telemedicine data as an additional kind of data that is being monitored and recorded. Telemedicine is a healthcare delivery method that utilizes technology to provide medical treatments from a distance. The information collected using this method possesses considerable worth. Telemedicine data comprises a variety of information, including patient health data communicated during virtual visits, video recordings of patient consultations, data obtained from remote patient monitoring equipment, and patient feedback regarding virtual treatment (Within, 2023).

The research on telemedicine data is crucial for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, this technology empowers healthcare professionals to oversee the well-being of their patients from a distance, thereby facilitating timely intervention when necessary. Moreover, it provides useful observations regarding patient conduct and their reaction to remote medical attention, thereby aiding in the improvement of telemedicine provisions. In conclusion, the utilization of telemedicine data possesses the capacity to yield substantial advancements in the realm of digital health research and streamline the process of formulating policies grounded in empirical evidence (Global Health Data Methods: Ethics of Collecting and Using Health Data, 2022).

The practice of monitoring telemedicine data has many advantages, yet it also gives rise to ethical considerations. Privacy is a significant problem. Telemedicine encompasses the process of transmitting confidential patient health data over digital channels, hence exposing it to potential risks of data breaches. In the year 2020, the telemedicine platform known as Babylon Health had a data breach whereby users could get unauthorized access to video consultations of other patients. This particular event serves as an illustration of the possible privacy hazards that are linked to telemedicine data (Within, 2023).

Another ethical consideration that arises is the issue of data ownership. The ownership and use of telemedicine data sometimes lack clarity. Can health technology businesses use telemedicine data for commercial reasons, for example? To what extent are patients have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process about the use of their data? Hence, it is essential to acknowledge and tackle the ethical considerations associated with telemedicine data in order to guarantee the proper use of such data for healthcare delivery and research purposes (Global Health Data Methods: Ethics of Collecting and Using Health Data, 2022).

3. Telehealth

For this section, the chosen subject matter is Telehealth. This area of study is seeing tremendous advancements and utilizes technological means to deliver healthcare services from a distance. Telehealth comprises a diverse array of services, encompassing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and sharing digital health information. This research holds significant relevance within the context of the present course, which centers on healthcare informatics and the utilization of information technology in the healthcare sector (Wickramasinghe, 2018). Telehealth exemplifies the practical application of healthcare informatics, showcasing the ways in which technology can augment the provision of healthcare services. From an individual standpoint, this initiative holds significance due to the potential of Telehealth to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services. Telehealth has the potential to address the issue of geographical barriers in healthcare and alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities by allowing people to get medical care from the comfort of their own homes (USF Health Online, 2023).

The theoretical framework in informatics/healthcare that corresponds to this project is the Information Processing Theory. As opposed to merely reacting to external inputs, it is hypothesized that humans engage in information processing in accordance with this theoretical framework. This concept is relevant within the framework of Telehealth, as it involves the application of technology to facilitate the processing of health-related data. The utilization of the Information Processing Theory in the context of Telehealth facilitates a thorough understanding of the cognitive processes that healthcare professionals employ when interpreting and analyzing health information that is transmitted digitally (Wilson & Obasanya, 2022). This can yield significant knowledge for the development of telehealth systems, guaranteeing their ability to process information effectively and, as a result, improving the provision of exceptional patient care. Hence, the telehealth initiative offers a positive opportunity to explore the potential of healthcare informatics in improving the delivery of medical services. The Information Processing Theory provides a substantial conceptual framework that facilitates the understanding and improvement of technology utilization in the context of Telehealth (Wilson & Obasanya, 2022).

References

Global Health data Methods: Ethics of collecting and using health data. (2022, November 3). Global Health Data Methods. https://globalhealthdata.org/ethics-of-collecting-and-using-health-data/

Neves, A. L., Freise, L., Laranjo, L., Carter, A. W., Darzi, A., & Mayer, E. (2020). Impact of providing patients access to electronic health records on quality and safety of care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Quality & Safety, 29(12), 1019–1032. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2019-010581

Tactionsite. (2021, December 3). How Does EHR Impact On Patient Care? – Taction Software. Taction Software. https://www.tactionsoftware.com/blog/how-does-ehr-impact-on-patient-care/

USF Health Online. (2023, October 9). What is Health Informatics? https://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/health-informatics/what-is-health-informatics/

Wickramasinghe, N. (2018). Theories to inform superior Health informatics research and practice. In Springer eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72287-0

Wilson, G. M., & Obasanya, M. (2022). Principles of health informatics. In Springer eBooks (pp. 15–38). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91237-6_2

Within. (2023, June 19). Types of healthcare data. Within3. https://within3.com/blog/types-of-healthcare-data

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Theory in Healthcare Informatics

Paper details

Write 1000 words essay addressing each of the following points/questions. Be sure to
completely answer all the questions for each number item. There should be three
sections, one for each item number below, as well the introduction (heading is the title of
the essay) and conclusion paragraphs. Separate each section in your paper with a clear
heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that
section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least three (3) scholarly citations using
APA citations in your essay. Make sure to reference the citations using the APA writing
style for the essay. The cover page and reference page do not count towards the
minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.
Write an essay addressing the following prompts:
1.     Electronic health records (EHRs) are easier to read than the paper charts of the
past, but many complain that healthcare providers are focusing too much on the
computer screen instead of the patient.
o   Is this due to a lack of skill or training, poor computer system design, or just the
nature of computer charting?
o   Is patient care suffering from the implementation of EHRs?
o   Charting in an EHR consist of clicking boxes, do you feel this provides enough detail
about the patient, condition, and events if there was a lawsuit?
2.     Hebda, Hunter, and Czar (2019) identify three types of data that are currently
being tracked by organizations (p. 46).
o   Identify and explain another type of data, specific to your practice, that is being
tracked by an organization.

o   Why do you feel this data is important to track?
o   Identify and discuss the organization that is tracking the data.
o   Are there any ethical concerns with an outside organization tracking this data,
explain, and give examples?
3.     In this week’s discussion post, you identified and explain the topic selected for the
project.(Telehealth)
o   Provide a description of your selected topic based on input from the discussion forum.
What is your project, why is it relevant to this class, and why is it important to you?
 Identify an informatics/healthcare theory from pages 29-30 of the textbook that
aligns with the project and explain why.
Hebda, T., Hunter, K., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses and
healthcare professionals (6th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-0134711010.
o
Include a title page and reference page in APA style. These do not count
towards the minimum word amount for this assignment. All APA papers should
include an introduction and conclusion.
References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for
all resources utilized to answer the questions. Include at least three (3)
scholarly sources to support your claims.