IntroductionGreatest advancement in information

processing since invention of printing pressUse of computers a necessity in health care

Uses in Health CareHospital or medical information systems (HIS

or MIS)Diagnostic testingEducation of health care personnelResearch: statistical analysis of data

Computer LiteracyAbility to understand basics of how a

computer works and applications used in your field or profession

Essential to health care professionalsComfort in using a computer for job Practice and experience in using computers

is necessary to develop computer literacy

History of the ComputerFirst computers installed in late 1950s and

early 1960sElectronic Numerical Integrator and

Computer (ENIAC)MicrochipsSizes of computers

What is a Computer System?Electronic device that is a complete

information processing systemHardware—machine components Software—programs or instructions

Input DevicesInformation is entered into the computer

by means of an input deviceComputer keyboardMagnetic tapeTouch screen monitorOptical scannerMouseLight pen

Central Processing Unit (CPU)Processes all information or data entered

into the computerActs as the “brains” of the computerInternal memory unitArithmetic and logic unitControl unit

Output DevicesOutput is the finished work of the

computer systemOccurs after data has been processed

by the CPUPrinterVideo display Forms of output

Computer ApplicationsWord processingCompiling databasesSchedulingMaintaining financial recordsMonitoring patientsPerforming diagnostic tests

(continues)

Computer Applications(continued)Maintaining inventories

Developing spreadsheetsCommunicating through modems

Examples of UsesHealth information technicianPhysicianPharmacistDieticianLaboratory technicianNurseEnvironmental service worker

Computer Uses and IssuesHand-held portable computerConfidentiality for strict enforcementContingency backup plan essential

Computer Applications for DiagnosticsComputer-based diagnostic testsAnalyzing blood testsElectrocardiogram (ECG) computerized

interpretation systemsComputerized tomography (CT)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

(continues)

Computer Applications for Diagnostics(continued)Positron emission tomography (PET)

UltrasonographyOncology

Computer Applications for EducationComputer-assisted instruction (CAI)Interactive video or computer-assisted

video technologyInternet for distance learning and

licensure examinations

Computer Applications for ResearchAvailable information from the National

Library of Medicine databaseStatistical Package for Social Sciences

(SPSS) to prepare and analyze dataComputer technology research world-wide,

known as bioinformatics

Computer Applications for Communication

Networks—computers linked together in health care facilities

Internet—links computers located around the world

Electronic mail (e-mail)Telemedicine for medical/health care use

(continues)

Computer Applications for Communication(continued)

E-medicine for contacting physiciansTelepharmacies speed up the process of

dispensing medicinesListserve mailing lists for sharing health

information

Using the InternetNetwork of computer usersModem—electronic device to send or

receive data Browser—software to access the Internet

for informationMany services and sources available for

the health care professional

Search EnginesDefined as a database of Internet filesEngines include: search program, index,

and retrieval programTypes of search engines: crawler-based,

human-powered, mixedMany different search engines available

Searching the WebMust develop a strategyIdentify key wordsCombine key wordsVary your searchUse different search enginesEvaluate the source of all informationIdentify the source

(continues)

Searching the Web(continued)Determine the author

Check for accuracyVerify important dataLook for signs of qualityCheck for currencyHealth care workers are able to research

many topics on the Internet; can be an excellent learning tool

Computer Protection and SecurityHealth care computerized records need to be

safe and secureLoss of information can result from electrical

problems, viruses, hackers, and breach of confidentiality

(continues)

Computer Protection and Security(continued)Protecting a computer from electrical

problems includesUninterrupted power supply (UPS)Daily backups onto compact disksStorage of data to external location

(continues)

Computer Protection and Security(continued)Viruses are able to enter a computer

when downloading information or programs by opening e-mailswhen using different disks that contain

virusesInstallation of antivirus software will

give protection

(continues)

Computer Protection and Security(continued)Other computers, outside programs, and

hackers can gain accessFirewalls are needed for protectionNetwork computers only within the health

care facilityUse dedicated computer to send

information to outside source

(continues)

Computer Protection and Security(continued)Confidentiality is of the utmost importance

for patient recordsGuidelines have been establishedRequirements of the Health Insurance and

Portability Act (HIPAA)

Summary Computers used as cost-effective and

efficient toolsEnhance quality patient careUsed for many areas of health careComputer technology has had tremendous

impact on health care

(continues)

Summary(continued)Used for health care research

Internet has opened up a plethora of available information

Health care workers need to protect computerized records/information