Posted: September 30th, 2023

Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Health Information

HIT, HMIS, HIMS. Instructions
Assignment Scenario: You have been hired as a summer intern in not-for-profit advocating for the technological progress of healthcare systems. In order to develop a strategic plan, your supervisor asked you to prepare a report on the following items that need be addressed (Note: You will apply the summer intern in not-for-profit role throughout this course for your assignments.)

Healthcare industry uses various types of health information technology systems for healthcare administration, called Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS), and the clinical functions, called Health Information Management Systems (HIMS). Select one healthcare sector (hospital, ambulatory care, long term care, nursing home, integrated delivery system, etc.) that you would like to focus on for this four-part assignment.

1. Define each of these systems (HMIS/HIMS) and their purpose (in narrative format).

2. Using the Internet, locate one system in each category (HMIS/HIMS) and compare and contrast them with respect to their five (5) functionalities (3-column table format with columns as Functionality, HMIS, HIMS).

3. Identify and define users of each system and analyze the specific needs of each user the system should meet (in narrative format).

4. Evaluate the systems’ value for the administrative and clinical healthcare decision-making (in narrative format).

The assignment in APA format is due Tuesday by midnight

Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) for the selected healthcare sector of hospitals:
Definition of HMIS and HIMS
Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS) are technology systems used for administrative and financial functions in healthcare organizations (HealthIT.gov, 2021). The main purposes of HMIS are to support operations, management, and decision-making through collection, storage, retrieval, and communication of information. Examples of HMIS functionalities include billing and claims management, supply chain and inventory management, and reporting and business analytics (Canadian Health Information Management Association, 2022).
Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) are clinical systems used directly in patient care activities (World Health Organization, 2016). HIMS are designed to manage healthcare data and support the delivery of care through functions like electronic health records (EHR), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). Key goals of HIMS include improving quality of care, reducing medical errors and increasing efficiency at the point of care (HealthIT.gov, 2021).
Comparison of sample HMIS and HIMS
Table 1
Comparison of sample HMIS and HIMS
Functionality HMIS Example HIMS Example
Patient record management – Patient demographics and insurance Electronic Health Record (EHR) system
Order management – Supplies and equipment ordering Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)
Decision support – Reporting on quality metrics Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)
Communication – Secure messaging between staff Telehealth and remote patient monitoring
Revenue cycle management – Billing and claims processing Diagnostic test result integration
Users and needs of HMIS and HIMS
The main users of HMIS include healthcare administrators, financial staff, and other non-clinical personnel. Their needs revolve around efficient management of organizational resources, compliance with regulations, and data-driven strategic decision making.
The primary users of HIMS are clinical providers such as physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. HIMS aim to meet their needs for timely access to complete and accurate patient information at the point of care. This supports high quality care delivery and improves patient outcomes and experiences (HealthIT.gov, 2021).
Value of HMIS and HIMS in healthcare decision making
HMIS and HIMS deliver value to healthcare organizations and providers through their role in clinical, operational and financial decision making. Clinical decision support within HIMS has been shown to reduce medical errors and support evidence-based practices (Kawamoto et al., 2005). HMIS analytics provide insights into areas like readmission rates, length of stay and resource utilization which guide strategic planning and quality improvement initiatives (Canadian Health Information Management Association, 2022). Both systems also aim to improve coordination and integration of care through interoperability and information sharing across settings.
References:
Canadian Health Information Management Association. (2022). What is a healthcare information system? https://www.chima.ca/what-is-a-healthcare-information-system
HealthIT.gov. (2021). What is an electronic health record (EHR)? https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
Kawamoto, K., Houlihan, C. A., Balas, E. A., & Lobach, D. F. (2005). Improving clinical practice using clinical decision support systems: a systematic review of trials to identify features critical to success. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 330(7494), 765–768. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38398.500764.8F
World Health Organization. (2016). Health information platforms: Concepts, requirements and examples. https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-information-systems#tab=tab_1