The Importance Of Computer Information Systems In Healthcare

Computer Information Systems (CIS) have been beneficial to many aspects of the healthcare industry. Still many providers and hospitals have not taken advantage of the full capabilities technology has to offer to themselves and their patients. In a time when patient satisfaction scores are not only important to ensure repeat business in healthcare, but also for reimbursement for services, the healthcare industry should focus on how to implement new technologies that will make patients more satisfied. However, how many patients are actually happy with the use of CIS in their healthcare? This question needs to be answered and understood in order to implement technologies that will improve patient satisfaction. Along with the implementation

Many patients research their own symptoms for possible diagnosis prior to consulting any medical professional (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). The problem with accessing medical information on the internet is that all sites are not good sources of information and that most patients are not knowledgeable enough to form their own diagnosis since so many symptoms can be associated with many illnesses (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). To combat this many insurance carriers and providers have implanted programs to educate patients or provide them with better sources of information (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). Some providers provide their patients with a list of acceptable websites to research conditions and symptoms (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). Both insurance carriers and providers have implemented web based symptom checkers that allow patients to enter their symptoms and then provides recommendations for the care they require (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). Other sources of information that have been provided are nurse advice lines, which will not only assess symptoms but also provide general health information and teaching. Patients who have access to these types of services have reported good experiences and satisfaction with using them (Wald, Dube & Anthony, 2007). Providers need to be aware of the many sources of information available to their patients and be prepared to spend time sorting

The gaps in use are mostly due to limited access due to low socioeconomic status, preconceived notions as to what can be done through the technology patients have access to and a racial divide. Educating patients as to why the use of these technologies is beneficial and useful will help to bridge some of that gap, but in order to bring more patients on board with technology access needs to be increased. At this time, there are free internet connections and computers at most, public libraries, but even that is not very convenient. Possibly devices and internet subscriptions need to be included in basic healthcare costs, although who would be responsible for paying these costs would need to be investigated. However, it is clear that most patients that do utilize or interact in some way with computer information systems in healthcare are satisfied with the