The coming of the information age to healthcare.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C J Austin.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Changes in the health care environment, such as the growth of integrated delivery systems and the proliferation of managed care, are having a profound impact on the way in which health care organizations manage both clinical and financial information. Health information networks (HINs) are emerging to support the goals and internal needs of integrated delivery systems. In this environment, health care managers must assume a leadership role in planning for the development of HINs. The article provides an overview of the principal issues that should be addressed in an organization's information systems plan when a HIN is being developed and includes a case study that illustrates the key points discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Appropriate marketing business systems need to be in place to attract and sustain a cosmetic dentistry patient base. Marketing for this sector is most effective when consistently patterned after businesses with high-end consumer services and products. Motivating patients of record and potential new patients to choose cosmetic dental services involves implementing both basic marketing and a series of cosmetic-specific marketing strategies. Consultants are valuable for the process of developing a strategic plan and making recommendations for developing new marketing business systems.
Information processing in the managed care marketplace is becoming increasingly complicated and expensive. Managed care organizations are finding that the ability to process information effectively and efficiently is the only way to maintain a competitive edge. This article provides an overview of information needs and system requirements from the perspective of healthcare providers. It offers information about computer software, electronic data interchange and databases, as well as brief case reports on some of their uses.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
This article examines the dramatic ways that information technology will influence clinical care, strategic management, and organization of the health care delivery system in the years ahead. Advancements in microprocessors, telecommunications, mass storage of data and images, and input-output devices will be accompanied by increased use of health-related software packages. Standardized patient record formats and coding systems will facilitate system integration and networking of computers. Clinical decision support systems will assist physicians in medical diagnosis and treatment. Computer-enhanced medical imaging and other noninvasive procedures will reduce surgery, patient pain and discomfort, and lower costs. Automation will get closer to the patient. Management information and decision support systems will be central to effective management in a highly competitive environment. Information systems will support strategic planning, cost control, productivity enhancement, quality improvement, and evaluation of products and services.
Management information systems--essential for strategic planning and management in today's complex healthcare environment--must be designed in concert with goals and strategies developed at the executive or corporate level. Healthcare organizations need management information to support four major functions: strategic planning and marketing, resource allocation, performance assessment, and evaluation of products and services. Computer systems fall into three general categories--administrative, clinical, and decision support (management information systems). Management information systems are the least advanced of the three. The need for strategic planning and managerial control in the face of complexity and competition, however, will result in rapid advances. The chief executive officer must be responsible for the following areas to ensure the effective use of information systems: strategic planning, information systems planning, user-driven focus, systems integration, and monitoring of results. Many larger healthcare organizations have established the position of chief information officer (CIO) to assist in these tasks. The CIO coordinates information systems, telecommunications, management engineering, and office automation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Synchronous growth of axenic Entamoeba histolytica was induced by nutritional deprivation and/or hydroxyurea. Axenic amebae maintained in 2% serum culture medium for 17-25 hours and returned to complete TP-S-1 (10% serum) medium showed a single synchronous cycle with a mean division time of 8.8 hours and a synchrony index of 0.47. Exposure to 10 mM hydroxyurea for 20-26 hours induced a single synchronous cycle with a division time of 3.0 hours and a synchrony index of 0.85. Hydroxyurea was toxic to 56% of the cells in the culture. The control generation time in TP-S-1 medium was 14.8 hours. Cells maintained for 44 hours in a nucleotide-deficient medium followed by a 10 mM hydroxyurea treatment exhibited two synchronous cycles. The first cycle had a generation time of 5.0 hours, a division time of 2.2 hours, and a synchrony index of 0.84.
Hospitals require information to support medical quality assurance, cost containment, productivity improvement, utilization analysis, program planning and evaluation, research, and education. Although hospitals could benefit from participation in a national health information system, many would be reluctant to participate particularly if participation were federally mandated. Incentives to participation should include funding of developmental costs, standardized computer software, guarantees of system stability, and prompt reporting back to participating hospitals.