Why the Use of Information Systems in Healthcare is Important

Information systems in healthcare have become increasingly advanced over the last decade or so, and their ever-growing range of capabilities have led to widespread use of these systems throughout the healthcare industry. In fact, use of some level of information management has become virtually universal among healthcare providers, facilities and health systems. So why have these systems become so important?

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Information Systems: Essential Infrastructure For A Safe, Efficient Healthcare System

Much of the importance of information systems in healthcare stems from, as mentioned above, their growing usefulness. While such systems were once largely geared towards mundane tasks like storage of patient records and tracking inventories, modern healthcare IT has evolved into a digital healthcare infrastructure . That infrastructure is responsible for collecting, managing and integrating the tremendous volume of clinical, financial and operational information generated daily by today’s healthcare system, enhancing the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of that system.

For instance, clinical management is enhanced by electronic health records (EHRs), which place comprehensive patient data at the fingertips of healthcare professionals.

• EHR programs feature interactive clinical decision assistance tools, which alert providers to potential problems, such as medication interactions, allergies or critical lab values, and reminders about preventive care and/or clinical guidelines.
• Patient portal software improves patient engagement, offering online patient education, electronic communication with clinicians and digital access to personal health information.
• Financial and operational management is aided by accounting software for healthcare organizations, healthcare billing systems, healthcare policy and contract management software, and interactive and intuitive inventory control systems, among many other software solutions.

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Healthcare Information Systems: Keeping Up With Explosive Growth

The cycle of increasing healthcare IT innovation and adoption of these systems throughout the healthcare industry has created a corresponding surge in demand for healthcare IT professionals who are fluent in new and emerging technology solutions. What that means for those entering or already working in this rapidly expanding field is that continuing education will be key to maintaining your edge against the increasing competition from new candidates flooding into the industry in response to that demand.

Many are pursuing that continuing education via certificate programs . Why, as an experienced healthcare IT professional, should you invest in certification in healthcare technologies? While you may feel that your experience in the field speaks for itself, getting certified adds credentials to your resume that make it clear to employers/clients that you are on top of your game, well-versed in all aspects of managing the latest healthcare information systems.

Those credentials, combined with your real-world experience and work history, will help you stand out from the crowd — and stay a step or two ahead of all those newly minted healthcare IT professionals nipping at your heels as they work to break into the field.

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Related Programs

Healthcare information systems tie into the day-to-day operations of every corner of the medical field. Many of Bryant & Stratton College’s continuing education programs highlight information systems and the skills needed for positions that deal directly with the technology and practices of health information systems.

• Medical Office Technology
• Healthcare Management
• Healthcare CEU