scholarly journals A Study of Factors Affecting on Patients’ Length of Stay in a Surgical Ward: Toward Optimization by Technology-based Solutions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayebeh Baniasadi ◽  
Marjan Ghazisaeedi ◽  
Mehdi Hassaniazad ◽  
Sharareh R. Niakan Kalhori ◽  
Mehraban Shahi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Surgical Ward ◽  
Hospital Resources

Abstract Background: Understanding each of the factors affecting the length of hospitalization especially in surgery wards can play a major role in planning for the optimal use of hospital resources. This study aims to determine factors affecting the length of stay (LOS) in a surgical ward and then provide technology-based solutions .Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 310 records were selected by systematic random sampling from hospitalized patients in surgery ward of a general teaching hospital in Bandar Abbas, situated in sought of Iran. In order to determine the association of 26 variables (demographic, clinical, and non-clinical) with LOS, analytical and descriptive statistics were used. Then, the researchers reviewed relevant literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to introduce solutions based on health information technology (HIT) toward LOS optimization.Results: Mean and median of patients’ LOS in surgery ward were 3.30±3.71 and 2 days respectively. According to multivariate regression model, factors that exerted higher influence on length of stay includes number of para-clinical tests, surgeries, and consultation as well as type of referral and months of admission(p<0.05). Regarding HIT-based intervention, eleven general categories of suggestions were provided. Based on the findings, more accessible technologies such as hospital information system, picture archiving and communication system, telemedicine especially tele-consultation or tele-visit as well as electronic consultation and discharge planning tools alongside smart dashboards for institutions like the center under study in order to expedite the process of diagnosis and treatment, then optimizing LOS seem appropriate. Conclusions: It is important to move toward optimized LOS though understanding and control influential factors; standardize LOS along with continuous monitoring of performance indicators may help to utilize hospital resources more efficiently. HIT-based interventions may support health care providers and administrators to manage patients` admission, hospitalization, transfer, and discharge processes more properly. Keywords: Index; length of Stay; Hospital; Health Information Technology; Surgery_ward

scholarly journals Combatting human trafficking in the United States: how can medical informatics help?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M Unertl ◽  
Colin G Walsh ◽  
Ellen Wright Clayton
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Medical Informatics ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Trafficking Victims

Abstract Objective Human trafficking is a global problem taking many forms, including sex and labor exploitation. Trafficking victims can be any age, although most trafficking begins when victims are adolescents. Many trafficking victims have contact with health-care providers across various health-care contexts, both for emergency and routine care. Materials and Methods We propose 4 specific areas where medical informatics can assist with combatting trafficking: screening, clinical decision support, community-facing tools, and analytics that are both descriptive and predictive. Efforts to implement health information technology interventions focused on trafficking must be carefully integrated into existing clinical work and connected to community resources to move beyond identification to provide assistance and to support trauma-informed care. Results We lay forth a research and implementation agenda to integrate human trafficking identification and intervention into routine clinical practice, supported by health information technology. Conclusions A sociotechnical systems approach is recommended to ensure interventions address the complex issues involved in assisting victims of human trafficking.

scholarly journals Differences in Electronic Personal Health Information Tool Use Between Rural and Urban Cancer Patients in the United States: Secondary Data Analysis

JMIR Cancer ◽  
10.2196/17352 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e17352
Author(s):  
Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek ◽  
Liaa Ferede ◽  
Joyce Balls-Berry ◽  
Ian Marigi ◽  
Emily Valentin Mendez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Personal Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Rural And Urban

Background Studies have previously shown that rural cancer patients are diagnosed at later stages of disease. This delay is felt throughout treatment and follow-up, reflected in the fact that rural patients often have poorer clinical outcomes compared with their urban counterparts. Objective Few studies have explored whether there is a difference in cancer patients’ current use of health information technology tools by residential location. Methods Data from 7 cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS, 2003-2017) were merged and analyzed to examine whether differences exist in managing electronic personal health information (ePHI) and emailing health care providers among rural and urban cancer patients. Geographic location was categorized using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs). Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine whether associations existed between rural/urban residency and use of health information technology among cancer patients. Results Of the 3031 cancer patients/survivors who responded across the 7 cycles of HINTS, 797 (26.9%) resided in rural areas. No difference was found between rural and urban cancer patients in having managed ePHI in the past 12 months (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.43-1.40). Rural cancer patients were significantly less likely to email health care providers than their urban counterparts (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84). Conclusions The digital divide between rural and urban cancer residents does not extend to general ePHI management; however, electronic communication with providers is significantly lower among rural cancer patients than urban cancer patients. Further research is needed to determine whether such disparities extend to other health information technology tools that might benefit rural cancer patients as well as other chronic conditions.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act on Clinical Pharmacy and Computerized Provider Order Entry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Bailey Deglow ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Meaningful Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Clinical Pharmacists

The Health Information Technology for Clinical and Economic Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 encouraged the meaningful use of the electronic health record (EHR) by health care providers in the United States. “Meaningful use” monetary incentives were offered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for health care providers who met standards of documenting in and using the EHR. While clinical pharmacists typically work in clinics and hospitals in the United States, they were not considered eligible professionals who could receive incentives for using the EHR. There is a great deal of literature regarding the use of the EHR by eligible professionals, but not by ineligible professionals like clinical pharmacists. One way that clinical pharmacists assist in meaningful use criteria is by developing computerized provider order entries (CPOEs). The purpose of this study is to assess the perception and use of CPOEs by clinical pharmacists.

scholarly journals Differences in Electronic Personal Health Information Tool Use Between Rural and Urban Cancer Patients in the United States: Secondary Data Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Greenberg-Worisek ◽  
Liaa Ferede ◽  
Joyce Balls-Berry ◽  
Ian Marigi ◽  
Emily Valentin Mendez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Personal Health Information ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Rural And Urban

BACKGROUND Studies have previously shown that rural cancer patients are diagnosed at later stages of disease. This delay is felt throughout treatment and follow-up, reflected in the fact that rural patients often have poorer clinical outcomes compared with their urban counterparts. OBJECTIVE Few studies have explored whether there is a difference in cancer patients’ current use of health information technology tools by residential location. METHODS Data from 7 cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS, 2003-2017) were merged and analyzed to examine whether differences exist in managing electronic personal health information (ePHI) and emailing health care providers among rural and urban cancer patients. Geographic location was categorized using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs). Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine whether associations existed between rural/urban residency and use of health information technology among cancer patients. RESULTS Of the 3031 cancer patients/survivors who responded across the 7 cycles of HINTS, 797 (26.9%) resided in rural areas. No difference was found between rural and urban cancer patients in having managed ePHI in the past 12 months (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.43-1.40). Rural cancer patients were significantly less likely to email health care providers than their urban counterparts (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84). CONCLUSIONS The digital divide between rural and urban cancer residents does not extend to general ePHI management; however, electronic communication with providers is significantly lower among rural cancer patients than urban cancer patients. Further research is needed to determine whether such disparities extend to other health information technology tools that might benefit rural cancer patients as well as other chronic conditions.

Analyzing the Role of Health Information Technology in Global Health Care

2017 ◽  
pp. 694-714
Author(s):  
Kijpokin Kasemsap
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health It ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Global Health Care

This chapter explains the perspectives on global health, the overview of health information technology (health IT), the applications of electronic health record (EHR), and the importance of health IT in global health care. Health IT is the area of IT involving the design, development, creation, utilization, and maintenance of information systems for the health care industry. Health IT makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through the secure use and sharing of health information. Effective health IT can lower costs, improve efficiency, and reduce medical error, while providing better patient care and service. The chapter argues that utilizing health IT has the potential to enhance health care performance and reach strategic goals in global health care.

Analyzing the Role of Health Information Technology in Global Health Care

2017 ◽  
pp. 287-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kijpokin Kasemsap
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health It ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Global Health Care

This chapter explains the perspectives on global health, the overview of health information technology (health IT), the applications of electronic health record (EHR), and the importance of health IT in global health care. Health IT is the area of IT involving the design, development, creation, utilization, and maintenance of information systems for the health care industry. Health IT makes it possible for health care providers to better manage patient care through the secure use and sharing of health information. Effective health IT can lower costs, improve efficiency, and reduce medical error, while providing better patient care and service. The chapter argues that utilizing health IT has the potential to enhance health care performance and reach strategic goals in global health care.

scholarly journals Development, use, and integration of a nationally-distributed HIV/AIDS electronic health information system

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1190-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A Milberg
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background The management of HIV infection requires extensive, longitudinal information record-keeping and coordination to ensure optimal monitoring and outcomes of care and treatment. Objective Agencies funded by The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act are increasingly required to monitor the quality of their HIV care and generate reports for funding agencies. To assist in their data collection and reporting capacity, the HIV/AIDS Bureau in the Health Resources and Services Administration released its first version of a software application called CAREWare in 2000. Methods This report describes the development of the application, the agencies that use it, how it is used, and overall satisfaction. The role of CAREWare in the larger health information technology landscape affecting HIV primary care providers is also discussed. Results and Conclusion CAREWare has evolved significantly in functionality and use, including the capacity to run in a real-time network connecting multiple service providers, generate performance measures, and import data in multiple formats. The application is the source of over half of the Bureau s data, is used regularly by most providers and is installed in nearly every state. Ongoing enhancements will be essential to ensure that CAREWare stays current in a rapidly-changing environment of health information technology and data exchange.

scholarly journals Key Factors Affecting Ambulatory Care Providers’ Electronic Exchange of Health Information With Affiliated and Unaffiliated Partners: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C Pendergrass ◽  
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health It ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
It Support ◽  
It Knowledge

BACKGROUND Despite the potential benefits of electronic health information exchange (HIE) to improve the quality and efficiency of care, HIE use by ambulatory providers remains low. Ambulatory providers can greatly improve the quality of care by electronically exchanging health information with affiliated providers within their health care network as well as with unaffiliated, external providers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the extent of electronic HIE use by ambulatory clinics with affiliated providers within their health system and with external providers, as well as the key technological, organizational, and environmental factors affecting the extent of HIE use within and outside the health system. METHODS A Web-based survey of 320 ambulatory care providers was conducted in the state of Illinois. The study examined the extent of HIE usage by ambulatory providers with hospitals, clinics, and other facilities within and outside their health care system–encompassing seven kinds of health care data. Ten factors pertaining to technology (IT [information technology] Compatibility, External IT Support, Security &amp; Privacy Safeguards), organization (Workflow Adaptability, Senior Leadership Support, Clinicians Health-IT Knowledge, Staff Health-IT Knowledge), and environment (Government Efforts &amp; Incentives, Partner Readiness, Competitors and Peers) were assessed. A series of multivariate regressions were used to examine predictor effects. RESULTS The 6 regressions produced adjusted R-squared values ranging from 0.44 to 0.63. We found that ambulatory clinics exchanged more health information electronically with affiliated entities within their health system as compared with those outside their health system. Partner readiness emerged as the most significant predictor of HIE usage with all entities. Governmental initiatives for HIE, clinicians’ prior familiarity and knowledge of health IT systems, implementation of appropriate security, and privacy safeguards were also significant predictors. External information technology support and workflow adaptability emerged as key predictors for HIE use outside a clinic’s health system. Differences based on clinic size, ownership, and specialty were also observed. CONCLUSIONS This study provides exploratory insights into HIE use by ambulatory providers within and outside their health care system and differential predictors that impact HIE use. HIE use can be further improved by encouraging large-scale interoperability efforts, improving external IT support, and redesigning adaptable workflows.

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