Introduction Greatest advancement in information processing since invention of printing press Use of computers a necessity in health care

Uses in Health Care Hospital or medical information systems (HIS or MIS) Diagnostic testing Education of health care personnel Research: statistical analysis of data

Computer Literacy Ability to understand basics of how a computer works and applications used in your field or profession Essential to health care professionals Comfort in using a computer for job Practice and experience in using computers is necessary to develop computer literacy

History of the Computer First computers installed in late 1950s and early 1960s Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) Microchips Sizes of computers

What is a Computer System? Electronic device that is a complete information processing system Hardware—machine components Software—programs or instructions

Input Devices Information is entered into the computer by means of an input device Computer keyboard Magnetic tape Touch screen monitor Optical scanner Mouse Light pen

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Processes all information or data entered into the computer Acts as the “brains” of the computer Internal memory unit Arithmetic and logic unit Control unit

Output Devices Output is the finished work of the computer system Occurs after data has been processed by the CPU Printer Video display Forms of output

Computer Applications Word processing Compiling databases Scheduling Maintaining financial records Monitoring patients Performing diagnostic tests (continues)

Computer Applications (continued) Maintaining inventories Developing spreadsheets Communicating through modems

Examples of Uses Health information technician Physician Pharmacist Dietician Laboratory technician Nurse Environmental service worker

Computer Uses and Issues Hand-held portable computer Confidentiality for strict enforcement Contingency backup plan essential

Computer Applications for Diagnostics Computer-based diagnostic tests Analyzing blood tests Electrocardiogram (ECG) computerized interpretation systems Computerized tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (continues)

Computer Applications for Diagnostics (continued) Positron emission tomography (PET) Ultrasonography Oncology

Computer Applications for Education Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) Interactive video or computer-assisted video technology Internet for distance learning and licensure examinations

Computer Applications for Research Available information from the National Library of Medicine database Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to prepare and analyze data Computer technology research world-wide, known as bioinformatics

Computer Applications for Communication Networks—computers linked together in health care facilities Internet—links computers located around the world Electronic mail ( ) Telemedicine for medical/health care use (continues)

Computer Applications for Communication (continued) E-medicine for contacting physicians Telepharmacies speed up the process of dispensing medicines Listserve mailing lists for sharing health information

Using the Internet Network of computer users Modem—electronic device to send or receive data Browser—software to access the Internet for information Many services and sources available for the health care professional

Search Engines Defined as a database of Internet files Engines include: search program, index, and retrieval program Types of search engines: crawler-based, human- powered, mixed Many different search engines available

Searching the Web Must develop a strategy Identify key words Combine key words Vary your search Use different search engines Evaluate the source of all information Identify the source (continues)

Searching the Web (continued) Determine the author Check for accuracy Verify important data Look for signs of quality Check for currency Health care workers are able to research many topics on the Internet; can be an excellent learning tool

Computer Protection and Security Health care computerized records need to be safe and secure Loss of information can result from electrical problems, viruses, hackers, and breach of confidentiality (continues)

Computer Protection and Security (continued) Protecting a computer from electrical problems includes Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) Daily backups onto compact disks Storage of data to external location (continues)

Computer Protection and Security (continued) Viruses are able to enter a computer when downloading information or programs by opening s when using different disks that contain viruses Installation of antivirus software will give protection (continues)

Computer Protection and Security (continued) Other computers, outside programs, and hackers can gain access Firewalls are needed for protection Network computers only within the health care facility Use dedicated computer to send information to outside source (continues)

Computer Protection and Security (continued) Confidentiality is of the utmost importance for patient records Guidelines have been established Requirements of the Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA)

Summary Computers used as cost-effective and efficient tools Enhance quality patient care Used for many areas of health care Computer technology has had tremendous impact on health care (continues)

Summary (continued) Used for health care research Internet has opened up a plethora of available information Health care workers need to protect computerized records/information