Health information management (HIM) is information management applied to health and health care. It is the practice of analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. With the widespread computerization of health records, traditional (paper-based) records are being replaced with electronic health records (EHRs).The tools of health informatics and health information technology are continually improving to bring greater efficiency to information management in the health care sector.
Health information management professionals plan information systems, develop health policy, and identify current and future information needs. In addition, they may apply the science of informatics to the collection, storage, analysis, use, and transmission of information to meet legal, professional, ethical and administrative records-keeping requirements of health care delivery.World Health Organization. (2010). Classifying health workers. Geneva: WHO. They work with clinical, epidemiological, demographic, financial, reference, and coded healthcare data. Health information administrators have been described to "play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in the United States through their focus on the collection, maintenance and use of quality data to support the information-intensive and information-reliant healthcare system".(LaTour, Kathleen M., & Maki, Shirley Eichenwald. (2010). Health information management concepts, principles, and practice. Chicago, Illinois: American Health Information Management Association.)(LaTour, & Maki, 2010).
History and development of HIM standards in the United States
HIM standards began with establishment of AHIMA Health information management's standards history is dated back to the introduction of the American Health Information Management Association, founded in 1928 "when the American College of Surgeons established the Association of Record Librarians of North America (ARLNA) to 'elevate the standards of clinical records in hospitals and other medical institutions.'"AHIMA (2010). "AHIMA History ". AHIMA. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
In 1938, AHIMA was known as American Association of Medical Record Librarians (AAMRL) and its members were known as medical record experts or librarians who studied medical record science. The goal was to raise the standards of records keeping in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The individuals involved in this profession were promoters for the successful management of clinical records to guarantee accuracy and precision. Over time, the organization's name changed to reflect the evolving field of health information management practices, eventually becoming the American Health Information Management Association. The association's current name is meant to cover the wide variety of areas which health professionals work in today.
AHIMA members affect the quality of patient information and patient care at every touch point in the healthcare delivery cycle. They often serve in bridge roles, connecting clinical, operational, and administrative functions.Partner in the Delivery of Quality Healthcare . (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2009, from American Health Information Management Association.
HIMSS establishment in 1961 increased industry knowledge The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) was organized in 1961 as the Hospital Management Systems Society (HMSS), an independent, unincorporated, nonprofit, voluntary association of individuals. It was preceded by increasing amounts of management engineering activity in healthcare during the 1950s, when teachings of Frederick Winslow Taylor and Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Sr. began to attract the attention of health leaders.HIMSS (2008). "AHIMA History ". HIMSS Legacy Workgroup. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
The HIMSS grew to include chapters, membership categories, publications, conventions, and continues to grow in different parts of the world via its Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle Eastern branches.HIMSS. HIMSS.org. Retrieved 1/8/2010.
Accredited HIM educational program development The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) defines standards which higher education health information management and technology programs must meet to qualify for accreditation. Students who graduate from an accredited associate's, bachelor's or certificate program are qualified to sit for their respective exams for certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – via graduation from an accredited associate or certification program or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), which requires education through an accredited bachelor or certification program. Competency requirements are maintained by CAHIIM in their associate degree Entry-Level Competencies and Baccalaureate Degree Entry-Level Competencies definitions.AHIMA. 6/3/2004 HIM Associate Degree Entry-Level Competencies . AHIMA Education Strategy Committee. Accessed 1/8/2010.AHIMA. 4/20/2004 HIM Baccalaureate Degree Entry-Level Competencies. AHIMA Education Strategy Committee. Retrieved 1/8/2010.
Modern development The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the proper collection, management and use of information within healthcare systems "will determine the system's effectiveness in detecting health problems, defining priorities, identifying innovative solutions and allocating resources to improve health outcomes".Stansfield S. (2005). "Structuring information and incentives to improve health". Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 83(8):562.
Electronic health records
The electronic health record has been continually expressed as an evolvement of health record-keeping. Because it is electronic, this means of record keeping has been both supported and debated in the health professional community and within the public realm.
In the United States, 89% of those who responded to a recent poll by The Wall Street Journal described themselves as "Very/Somewhat Confident" in their health care provider who used electronic health records compared to 71% of respondents who responded positively about their providers who didn't or don't use electronic health records.Wall Street Journal. "Benefits of Electronic Health Records Seen as Outweighing Privacy Risks". Retrieved 1/8/2010. As of 2008, more than fifty-percent of chief information officers polled listed that they wanted ambulatory electronic health records in order to have the health information record available to move across each stage of health care.Healthcare Integration and Connectivity: Results of a Survey by the Enterprise Information Systems Steering Committee page 4. HIMSS. Retrieved 1/8/2010.
Health information managers are charged with the protection of patient privacy and are responsible for training their employees in the proper handling and usage of the confidential information entrusted to them. With the rise of technology's importance in healthcare, health information managers must remain competent with the use of information databases that generate crucial reports for administrators and physicians.
Educational programs
The requisites and accreditation processes for health information management education and professional activity vary across jurisdictions.
In the United States, the CAHIIM requires continued accreditation for accredited programs in health information management. The current standard is that accreditation may be maintained with periodic site visits, submission of an annual report, informing CAHIIM of adverse changes within the program and paying CAHIIM administrative fees.CAHIIM. 2005 Interpretation of Standards: Associate Degree section VI.F. Retrieved 1/8/2010.CAHIIM. Interpretation of Standards: Baccalaureate Degree section VI.F. Retrieved 1/8/2010. HIM students may opt to participate in a full-time bridge program called the Joint Bachelor of Science/Masters Program. With this program, students can achieve both the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and the Master of Health Services Administration Program (BSHIM/MHSA). The full-time bridge program allows students to achieve both degrees in five years. Students pursuing the BSHIM/MHSA will be prepared to assume management and executive positions in health-related organizations such as: hospitals, managed care organizations, health information system developers and vendors, and pharmaceutical companies, and bring their knowledge in HIM to these positions.
In Canada, graduates of Canadian College of Health Information Management (CCHIM) programs are eligible to write a national certification examination to pursue a profession in HIM.Alberta Occupational Profiles, 2011. Health Information Management Professional http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?aspAction=GetHTMLProfile&format=html&OCCPRO_ID=71002536
Online program availability There are many programs that are also available online. Online students collaborate with in-class students using internet technology. With online learning, students are allowed to go through the programs at their own pace. Online students are included in class through group lectures that are recorded and put online, discussion boards and are members of group projects with in-class students. Some online students are even allowed to attend some classes on campus and take some classes online.
The CAHIIM lists accredited online programs on its website.CAHIIM.org . Retrieved 1/8/2010.
Further education for health information professionals Education is an important aspect in being successful in the world of health information management. Aside from initial credentials, health information professionals may wish to pursue a Master of Health Information Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, or other master's programs in health data management, information technology and systems, and organization and management. Gaining further education advances the health professional's career and qualifies the individual for upper-management positions.
Impact Efficiency of health information technology
The implementation of health information technology has impacted the efficiency of health care protocols. Vast improvement has been seen across administrative processes, clinical practices, and patient outcomes. Computerized systems allow for higher level of organization of patient records and information. Clinicians can more easily access patient information in order to treat, diagnose, and administer necessary treatment. Readily available medical records are crucial for supporting patient needs along with every step of the health process. An efficient health information system can help to reduce medical error by introducing regulating clinical guidelines across health care providers.
Patient Satisfaction
Healthcare information management makes patient care a central importance. Those who have improved their electronic systems have reported it to be beneficial for patients. As technology has shifted to a digitalized era physicians may spend more time with patients. Health providers can efficiently treat, prescribe medicine, and make preventive care a priority. Since, the administrative side of medicine has been made more reliable, health care providers may shift to their focus more solely to patients. There is a overall more attention to detail, maximized patient-doctor time, and quality of care.
Improvement in administrative processes