Safe use of Health Information Technology - Research Paper Example

Safe use of Health Information Technology Safe use of Health Information Technology The human-computer interface is the most common cause of health sentinel IT events. Inability to use systems as designed creates numerous difficulties for employees; this is especially prevalent in settings where systems are regularly remodeled. Depending on how efficient individual employees are, health sentinel IT events can be ubiquitous or rare, resulting in high or low incidences of data-related errors. Workflow and communication are also influential in the emergence of health IT sentinel events (The Joint Commission, 2015).

An effective health IT framework requires a sound support system to facilitate teamwork and communication. Poor workflow and inefficient communication inevitably create more health IT sentinel events. Although communication and workflow are vital, the clinical content must also be well-structured to enable effective communication (The Joint Commission, 2015). For example, health records managers must be supplied with relevant and cogent information because they enter clinical data into systems on an as-is basis.

Wrong or illegible data creates problems during retrieval. The success of any health IT framework also depends on internal organizational policies, procedures and cultures. These three aspects should be congruent with the overall objectives of the health IT system. Some cultures, policies and procedures hinder the efficient operation of the system, leading to health sentinel IT situations (Johnson, 2014). The level of training received by health staff determines their effectiveness in their duties.

However, training is merely a means to an end. Employees should be taught to follow set policies and procedures or their training will be futile. The type of hardware and software used in a specific health IT framework determines the frequency with which sentinel events occur. To this effect, hardware and software must be relevant, usable, and adaptable (The Joint Commission, 2015). External factors, including vendor and other issues occurring in the external environment can also cause a health sentinel IT event.

In some cases, legal and social challenges (e.g., culture) can increase the number of health sentinel IT situations (Balgrosky, 2014). Research shows that regular system appraisal and monitoring significantly reduces the probability of critical situations occurring.ReferencesBalgrosky, J. (2014). Essentials of health information systems and technology. London: Jones & Bartlett.Johnson, T. (Ed.). (2014). Handbook of health survey methods. New York: John Wiley & Sons.The Joint Commission (2015).

Safe use of health information technology. Sentinel Event Alert, (54), 1-6.