1. Computer Technology in Health Care
Chapter 12
Computer Technology in Health Care

2. 12:1 Introduction
Greatest advancement in information processing since invention of printing press Use of computers a necessity in health care

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

4. 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

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

6. 12:2 What is a Computer System?
Electronic device that is a complete information processing system Hardware—machine components Software—programs or instructions

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 12:3 Computer Applications
Word processing Compiling databases Scheduling Maintaining financial records Monitoring patients Performing diagnostic tests
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11. Computer Applications (continued)
Maintaining inventories Developing spreadsheets Communicating through modems

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

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

14. Computer Applications for Diagnostics
Computer-based diagnostic tests Analyzing blood tests Electrocardiogram (ECG) computerized interpretation systems Computerized tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
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15. Computer Applications for Diagnostics (continued)
Positron emission tomography (PET) Ultrasonography Oncology

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

17. 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

18. 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
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19. 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

20. 12:4 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

21. 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

22. 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
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23. 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

24. 12:5 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
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25. 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
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26. 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
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27. 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
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28. 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)

29. 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
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30. 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