Most physicians believe that, to show meaningful use and qualify for government incentives, they will need an electronic medical record (EMR) system. This may not be accurate, because several EMR systems on the market today may not certify as EHR Technology under meaningful use largely due to limitations of the client-server architecture. A new type of application known as an “integrated health record” (IHR), offered in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, may include all the necessary components to demonstrate meaningful use. The IHR provides better connectivity and discrete data in comparison to the capabilities of traditional EMRs. Considering the IHR’s patient-centric data structure, which accepts information from multiple sources, and its decision support, the IHR may actually offer more to improve the quality-of-care coordination and patient safety than a traditional EMR.
As providers race to accomplish “meaningful use” by the impending deadlines, attention is generally focused on integration, back-end processes and IT infrastructure. While this is certainly understandable given the effort that must take place in these areas, the patient’s perspective is often overlooked.
Written by Karl Graham August 2010
Today’s advanced service desk professional should be able to provide assistance between the major IT platforms while simultaneously dealing with the usual clinical processes.
With the rapid deployment of complex IT implementations in healthcare, the need for enhanced IT support services has never been more urgent – and will only increase in the near future, particularly with ARRA requirements taking effect in 2011. It has never been truer that “meaningful use requires meaningful support.”
In addition, the sophistication of current IT systems is increasing at an exponential rate. Whether developed in-house or partnered with a healthcare-specific provider, the need for an equally sophisticated support network is critical in the most literal sense. The focus should be on an enhanced help desk which is really more of a complete “service desk.”