Nowadays, keeping a medical record is very important to avail of several medical services. That is why health information systems and electronic health records are made to help everyone in this condition. Health Information System (HIS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) are two terms that are often confused due to their similarities. But there are many differences between these two terms. This article will help you to everything about both systems for better understanding.

Health Information System (HIS)

A Health Information System (HIS) is a computer-based system used to store, manage, and exchange healthcare information. HIS can include:

• Electronic health records (EHR).
• Computerised Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems.
• Other medical software applications are used to support healthcare organisations clinical and administrative functions.

HIS can improve patient care quality and safety by providing healthcare providers with accurate and up-to-date patient information. It can also help reduce healthcare costs by streamlining administrative processes and reducing errors.

Health Information Systems (HIS) offer several benefits to healthcare organisations, providers, and patients. Some of these benefits include:

1. Improved patient care- HIS can provide healthcare providers with access to accurate and up-to-date patient information, which can help them make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. In particular, Electronic Health Records (EHR) can help reduce medical errors by providing alerts for potential drug interactions and allergies.
2. Increased efficiency- HIS can reduce administrative tasks, such as manually filing and retrieving paper records, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time with patients. For example, Computerised Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems can help reduce errors and improve the efficiency of ordering and administering medications.
3. Better patient safety- HISs can help to improve patient safety by providing alerts for potential drug interactions and allergies and by helping to reduce medical errors.
4. Improved population health management- HIS can be used to analyse population health data to identify trends and patterns that can inform public health interventions. This can lead to a better understanding of disease patterns and health outcomes and can be used to develop targeted health interventions.
5. Cost savings- HIS can help to reduce healthcare costs by streamlining administrative processes and reducing errors. For example, healthcare EHR can help to reduce the need for duplicate tests and procedures, and CPOE systems can help to prevent medication errors.
6. Improved communication and coordination of care- HIS can improve communication and coordination of care by making patient information more widely available and easily accessible to authorised healthcare providers. This helps ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care, regardless of where they receive it.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient's paper medical chart. EHRs are a type of Health Information System (HIS) used to store and manage patient information. They include patient demographics, medical history, medications, lab results, and radiology images. EHR can be accessed and updated by authorised healthcare providers, allowing for more efficient and coordinated care. It can also be used to track outcomes and support research.

Some of the benefits of EHR include the following:

1. Improved patient care- EHR provide healthcare providers with access to accurate and up-to-date patient information, which can help them make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. It can also help to reduce medical errors since providers can be alerted to potential drug interactions and allergies.
2. Increased efficiency- EHR can reduce administrative tasks, such as manually filing and retrieving paper records, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time with patients. They can also help to reduce the need for duplicate tests and procedures, which can lead to cost savings.
3. Better patient safety- EHR can help to reduce medical errors by providing alerts for potential drug interactions and allergies. This can improve patient safety and reduce the risk of adverse events. It can also help to track outcomes and support research.
4. Improved population health management- EHR can be used to analyse population health data to identify trends and patterns that can inform public health interventions. This can help to improve understanding of disease patterns and health outcomes, which can be used to develop targeted health interventions.

However, there are also some challenges to implementing EHR systems, such as ensuring data security and interoperability between systems.

Difference between HIS and EHR

Health Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) are related but distinct concepts in healthcare technology.

A Health Information System is a broad term that refers to a collection of technologies, applications, and processes used to store, manage, and exchange healthcare information. HIS can include various systems, such as electronic health records, computerised physician order entry systems, and other medical software applications to support healthcare organisations' clinical and administrative functions.

An EHR is a specific type of Health Information System used to store and manage patient information. These records are digital versions of a patient's paper medical chart and typically include patient demographics, medical history, medications, lab results, and radiology images. EHR can be accessed and updated by authorised healthcare providers, allowing for more efficient and coordinated care.

Comparison of HIS and EHR

Health Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are related but distinct concepts in healthcare technology. A comparison of the two would be:

Purpose

HIS is a broad term for a collection of technologies, applications, and processes used to store, manage, and exchange healthcare information. Hospital EHR systems, on the other hand, are a specific type of Health Information System used to store and collect patient information.

Scope

HIS can include many systems, such as EHR, Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems, medical billing systems, and other medical software applications used to support healthcare organisation's clinical and administrative functions. EHR, however, are specifically designed to store and manage patient information.

Data

HISs can include a wide range of clinical, administrative, financial, and demographic data; EHR specifically store patients' clinical data. For example, it can include patient demographics, medical history, medications, lab results, and radiology images.

Functionality

HIS can include many functionalities, such as appointment scheduling, billing, inventory management, and other administrative tasks. In addition, an electronic health record is specifically designed to store and manage patient information, including clinical data such as medical history, lab results, and medications.

Access

HIS is used by a wide range of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and administrators. However, EHRs are primarily accessed by healthcare providers, who use the information to make clinical decisions.

Conclusion

These health records will help you whenever you need help from the available government schemes. That is why you need to know about these sincerely if you want to avail of the services. Moreover, it will help you make the right decision regarding taking up a health-related service. So, it is essential to know about Health Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) to make better health care and services decisions.

FAQ

How can I have a look at electronic health records?

You can look at the EHR as per your requirements related to health-related services as per the government schemes. These records will be available to you if you are a healthcare provider or your doctor has authorised you to access the records.

How can I register myself in health information systems?

You can register your name in HIS by giving all your details in the online portal of the government scheme-related websites. You will also need to enter your medical history, lab results, medications, radiology images, and other details. This information will help you access the health services available. To do this,

• Visit the website of the health scheme you wish to register for.
• Select 'Register' from the main menu.
• Provide your details and medical information.
• Submit the form to complete the registration process.
• You will then be able to access the health information systems through the website.

How can I avail myself of the services of government schemes

Nowadays, you need to apply online to take up the services offered by the government. So you need to check out the portal to know about different services and the rules to avail of them. You can also visit the government hospital or any health care centre in your area to learn more about the benefits and apply for them.
Once you have applied, you can track your application status online. You will be informed of the decisions on your applications through both online and offline methods.