Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting Chapter 11

The Computer System BASIC SYSTEM: Input Device: keyboard, mouse CPU: brain of the system Software: required by computer to accomplish tasks Output Device: monitor, printer, fax

Types of Computer Systems Supercomputers: fastest, most powerful and most expensive. Mainframe: next largest in size and processing ability, used for large volumes of repetitive calculations. Minicomputers: handle large amount of processing Microcomputers: Most widely used, Personal computer (PC)

Components of a Computer System Data Storage Devices: Read-only Memory (ROM): permanently writes data or instructions into the memory Random access memory (RAM): erases or “lost” when the computer is turned off (temporary storage data).

Components of a Computer System Data Storage Devices Hard Drive: non-portable storage device Floppy drives: portable memory storage device Zip drives and Jaz drives Hold 100 and 2,000 megabytes of data Optical disks Servers

Components of a Computer System Networking: electronic connection of one or more computers, printers, software, and databases for the purpose of sharing information and resources. LAN – local area network; most likely found in ambulatory care setting. WAN – wide area network; usually found in a hospital-type clinic with many computers and sites.

Software Applications Frequently referred to as a computer program, can be thought of as a set of instructions to follow or data to process. System software: operating system that tells the computer hardware what to do and when to do it. Application software: performs a specific data-processing function (word processing, accounting, etc).

Security Systems Must protect against two threats: 1. virus and worms and 2. unauthorized access to the computer. HIPAA requires: Virus detection and elimination software Unusual activity must be reported Intrusion detection tools should be installed Firewalls suggested to limit type of files that can be transmitted.

Ergonomics Defined: scientific study of work and space; influences worker productivity that affects workers’ health. Concerns with computers: Eyestrain (antiglare screen) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Posture

Common Software Word Processing is used for: Reports, medical transcription, memos, business letters, and articles. Benefits of Word Processing: Allows quick production of a document Corrections can be made easily Material can be cut, copied or pasted from other frequently used documents. Much faster than typing.

Structuring or Defining a Database Databases are needed to maintain general patient identifying information in fields such as: Patient name Patient address Work phone Home phone Patient insurance

Structuring/Defining a Database Cont’d Other fields might be included: Sex Social Security number Date of birth (DOB) Occupation Place of employment

HIPAA Standards for Patient Health Information Preparation and implementation of written confidentiality protocols and procedures. Staff training and implementation of all protocols. Identification and authentication protocols for all personnel. Access control of computer output, modification, or destruction of files. Security of transmitted data Control of discarded records, storage media, and computer hardware.

Professionalism Areas of professionalism directly related to the medical office may include: Working as a member of the health care team; actively involved. Adapt to change. Work ethic and use of computer. Enhance skills through education.