Lesson

An information system is an integration of several elements of a business process intended to affect a specific outcome.

The components of an information system include data, people, processes, and a combination of hardware, software, and communications technology.

Information systems can be categorized in various ways depending on the purpose and the way they function. A transaction processing system (TPS) manages the different kinds of transactions that occur in a healthcare facility. An enterprise-wide system manages data for an entire healthcare organization. Management information systems (MIS) help middle managers make decisions and provide routine and scheduled reports to support a variety of day-to-day tasks and operations. MIS also produce reports in a standard format that assist in the healthcare decision-making process.

Decision support systems (DSS) provide information to help users make accurate decisions. They are interactive systems that allow managers and analysts to manipulate data by using analytical models and statistical techniques. They also provide the ability to ask "what if" questions and produce ad hoc (also known as "as needed") and nonstandard reports.

Executive information systems (EIS) combine many of the features of the MIS and DSS and can produce standard, scheduled, and periodic reports. These interactive systems provide both summarized and detailed information and allow for drill down into data to get specific information and use it for decision-making purposes.

Expert systems (ES) support the work of professionals involved in the design, diagnosis, or evaluation of complex situations requiring expert knowledge. They also use artificial intelligence techniques to capture the knowledge of human experts and store this in a database.

The use of simulation software is also a way of evaluating, planning, and designing healthcare information systems. Simulation is rather new to the industry and is becoming a trend of significance and curiosity. Simulation is a way of representing a process in a computer-aided model without disturbing the actual process itself. It provides a "what if" analysis, permitting computer representation for the system while testing various scenarios without actually doing them. However, it yields prospective information about the outcome, based on the scenario. The methodology of simulation works by building the model to imitate, or to mimic, the process or design of the product, as well as factors that affect the process. This type of analysis also allows manipulation of information and construction of the system for accurate modeling, including workflow and variability of installations. The tool introduces enhanced realization and simulation of system design through possible concepts. Although the concept was initially introduced in the business and manufacturing industry, it is becoming more common to improve healthcare processes.

A database is an organized collection of data saved electronically in the form of 0s and 1s. In more simple terms, it provides a digital way to record and store data. Think of the DeVry Oracle system where you view your grades. That is nothing more than a table that contains the courses you have taken and the corresponding grades. This table is also related to an audit system that compares the classes you have completed against the classes required for your degree and allows you to check on how many more classes you need to take to graduate (this is the Degree Navigator function). This type of setup, in which all the information collected is organized in tables with rows and columns, is called a relational database. There are other databases that store images, such as pictures, movies, and sounds. These are called object-oriented databases. In healthcare, an electronic patient record will contain information on patient demographics, insurance, and so forth, and it may even contain a digital picture of an X-ray or recording of an ultrasound. This setup is called an object-relational database.

A database allows us to store and retrieve information, streamline the data entry so that it avoids duplication, and definitely provide security of data so that not everyone can change or delete the data stored. To illustrate these functions, we can relate back to Degree Navigator. You would expect that this system would provide some type of alert if you attempted to register for the same class twice within the same session. Also, you would expect that the system prevents any data deletion or unauthorized modification so that you can rely on getting an accurate transcript from the school whenever you need it. In healthcare, these circumstances are detrimental for patient care and safety. Imagine two physicians entering the same medication for the same patient (not having communicated with each other). Will the medication be administered twice? Now imagine the medication entered by the physician in the system being deleted. The patient will not receive the medication and it will delay treatment. So a well-designed database can avoid dangerous situations and medical errors. In fact, well-designed databases are the backbone of any of the systems mentioned above, such as transaction processing and decision support systems.

To learn more about databases and even how to create a simple database in Microsoft Access, you can view the tutorials provided below. As you view and listen to them, try to visualize databases and get an overall understanding of how they work. Do not worry about the technical aspects of it at this point, because you will learn more about them in another course required for your HIT degree, BIS155.

Database management and database management systems are important functions within the implementation of health information systems, and they are commonly the responsibilities of health information technology professionals.

In the evolving industry of healthcare, database management is vital, because it supports applications and automated systems. The ability to track and retrieve data promotes efficiency of processes within many organizational operations. The more efficient processes are, the easier it is to manage patient information. As database administration becomes a universal necessity for information managers, having sufficient database skills will be required to adequately perform in the role. The concept of database management is to optimize information and manage data for healthcare delivery while providing an avenue for easy access and reliability.

Collectively, data elements are the key composition of a database, and every information system relies on data. A database management system (DBMS) is a system that supports the database approach to data management for the creation, storage, management, access, and protection of those data. A DBMS also ensures the integrity of the data so that the information is consistent and accurate. One of the most common databases used in healthcare is a relational database. It is used to connect multiple information systems, along with providing specific patient information. The database accomplishes the relationship by the use of data tables that are integrated to produce a relational result. Moreover, a major advantage of the structure is the ability to maintain relationships between the different data tables and providing the ability to run queries with the purpose of extracting information. A query is a user's question to the database supplying the request.

The purpose of developing these mega database systems is to promote a wealth of health promotion, knowledge, and education. The challenge, however, will be the acceptance of such a complex concept and peculiar form of information sharing. It will also contribute to less redundancy and fewer inconsistencies of information by efficiently offering health information that is so accessible. Additionally, it will give federal and governmental agencies the ability to make healthcare decisions based on accurate and reliable data for the overall healthcare of the population.

With the increasing need for database management, many roles are created for information managers, including that of a database administrator. Database administrators (DBA) perform duties of managing and maintaining databases and systems. As a result of the required skills, being able to design and develop databases is a necessity. That would also include managing the users of those systems in order to protect the data. Because of the technological movement in healthcare, a database administrator will also have to stay abreast of new design approaches, database products, software, and applications. Depending on the size of the business or organization, the responsibilities may vary, as well as the level of required skills. They are, however, likely to include, but are not limited to, design and development of databases, maintenance, training and access, policy and procedure development, and performance measures. Concern for patient information, integrity, backup, and security are also increasingly important aspects of database management duties. Practicing professionals need to improve sharing mechanisms and prevent policy violations by organizing health information.

Search the AHIMA website for articles related to data warehouses and data mining. Feel free to discuss applicable findings in the Discussion area and note any findings that you could incorporate in your Course Project.