Imagine piles and piles of paperwork heaping up in a cramped cupboard. Files, records, reports and folders all taking up office space. This was the scenario seen in most hospitals before the advent of information technology which made it possible for hospitals to seamlessly organize, share and store clinical, historical, administrative and financial data.

A hospital information system is a computer-linked data system that can effectively streamline the flow of information in a hospital.

Reasons to invest in a hospital information system

1. Reduction in human errors

Accuracy in Healthcare is most crucial. Even a tiny error in recording any health parameter can cascade into a crisis and become a matter of life and death. Hence, it is mandatory that any data relating to healthcare is recorded and stored in an error-free manner. Manual entry can sometimes lead to mistakes. An effective hospital information system can reduce chances of error as most of the additions will be automated

2. Enhancement of speed

Time is of essence as time saved is money saved. Manual entry of information is both tedious and time consuming. A reliable hospital information system can save on productive time of your employees as it is speedier to enter data on a computerized system than manually. Moreover, an information system can give access to data at a click and this can definitely cut down the time spent for data collation.

3. Enhancement of efficiency

Manual entry of information can burden your administrative workforce and can lead to stress and irritation and cut down on efficiency. A hospital information system can help your team score on efficiency as it can minimize the scope for human errors and careless mistakes. This can help you improve the quality of care.

4. Reduction of storage space

Files, folders and records which are manually created necessitate the use of storage space. As real estate prices has hit the skies, it has become more and more necessary to cut down on space. Digitally maintained records using a reliable hospital information system will cut down on your storage space requirement.

5. Reduction of cost

After the initial investment on computers, software, internet connection, electrical circuits etc.; a hospital information system can cut down your costs as the need for paperwork, furniture for file storage, space, staff and maintenance will go down over time. 

6. Integrated and seamless data sharing

In a hospital, information about the patient has to be shared between many doctors and many departments. An interlinked hospital information system can make this exchange simple and convenient so that all the doctors and staff are in the loop.

7. Enhancement of patient welfare

When the caregivers get speedy and accurate access to medical information, they can make informed decisions on your patients’ conditions leading to augmented welfare.

8. Enhancement of privacy

Healthcare is a sensitive issue and there are many confidentiality concerns. A reliable hospital information system can eliminate the danger of data theft as it will have additional security systems in place to prevent unauthorized people from gaining access.

 9. Enhancement of patient relationships

A hospital information system will have a core database of your patients. You can use this data to send information, reminders, wishes on occasions and alerts to your patients. This can help you forge a bond with your patients and build loyalty.

A hospital information system is a must in today’s era as it can help your hospital operate in an efficient and smooth manner. It can also enhance workforce efficiency and patient experience which will definitely culminate in a better reputation and brand image for your hospital. If you need any help in setting up an information system, be sure to consult with Hospertz, a leading Healthcare consultancy firm of India.

Blog has been written by Dr. Vishal Jadhav, a veteran in the field of hospital consultancy with a rich experience of more than 20 years and founder of the Healthcare Consultancy Firm, Hospertz.

Dr. Vishal Jadhav, Director
hospertz@gmail.com
+91 9867712705/ 9820833149