Today, information technology impacts almost every industry, from manufacturing to education to transportation. The information technology revolution has significantly changed the healthcare sector. Information technology is quickly changing the healthcare sector, from patient check-in and medical record updates to digitally communicating blood test results with patients. According to experts, the market for healthcare information technology is predicted to reach USD 390.7 billion by the end of 2024.
What is Healthcare Information Technology (HIT)?
HIT, or health information technology, refers to the secure management of health-related information using technology instead of information technology, which refers to the use of computers, telecommunications, and other systems to store, retrieve, and share information.
E-prescriptions, (EHRs), and other tools assisting patients in achieving health objectives like controlling blood sugar levels or quitting smoking are some of the most prevalent examples of healthcare information technology.
Uses of information technology in healthcare
There are many ways that information technology is being used to enhance patient safety, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider communication. Management of patient records and data is one of the most impressive applications of HIT.
Broadly, the roles of information technology in the medical field are:
Patients’ records were previously kept on paper charts, easily lost, misread, or damaged. Healthcare professionals can now easily and securely track patient records thanks to IT. The virtual chart that is simple to read, share, and compare with other records can have pharmacy records, test results, X-rays, and even vital signs added by a medical professional.
A completely new field called nursing informatics has also been created by fusing IT and clinical care. To better serve medical patients and advance healthcare, this field combines the practice of nursing with IT management and assists those who have a passion for science and data. This industry is becoming more well-known daily due to rising technological demand.
A survey revealed that nurses who use IT are more likely to detect medical mistakes. Nurses can spend more time providing patient care as less time is spent documenting patient care. Additionally, as more people obtain insurance and seek out high-quality healthcare, there will be an increasing need for information technology that can accurately track patient records and enhance healthcare.
As the HIT industry grows, there will be more opportunities for IT professionals in hospital settings. Roles in the healthcare industry are expanding yearly, from medical transcriptionists to medical coders, clinical IT consultants, and healthcare system analysts. In addition to producing jobs, IT will continue to be essential for hospital administrators and decision-makers to improve the quantity, speed, and caliber of services provided in care facilities.
End Note
We saw the development rule of information technology in the healthcare industry in India. Now it is time that we look for future trends like using VR in training doctors, diagnosing patients through the help of artificial intelligence, consulting with doctors through telehealth services, and so on.
