LESSON 2

HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
Discuss the roles of health information systems
Enumerate the components of a health information system; and
Identify the different data sources for a health information system

Health Information Systems

Health informatics is the application of both technology and systems in a health care setting. While
health information technology focuses on tools, health information systems cover the records, coding,
documentation, and administration of patient and ancillary services.
Concerns about the cost and quality of health care are among the motivating factors why health
information systems are increasingly implemented across health industries all over the world. The
combination of elements in a health information system enables the provision of more efficient and effective
health care services. The components of a health information system are correlated and translated into
harmonious operations.
The health information systems (HIS) cover different systems that capture, store, manage, and transmit
health-related information that can be sourced from individual or activities of a health institution. These
include disease surveillance systems, district level rountine information systems, hospital patient
administration systems (PAS), human resource management information systems (HRMIS), and laboratory
information systems (LIS)
The information collected from a well-functioning HIS is very useful in policymaking and decision
making of health institution and becomes the basis in creating program action. This translates to efficient
resources allocation at the policy level, and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of health at the
delivery level.

Roles and Fuctions of Health Information Sytems

Sheahan (2017) defines health information system (HIS) as a mechanism which keeps track of all data
related to the patient such as patient’s medical history, contact information, medication logs, appointment
schedule, insurances information, and financial account including billing and payment. The roles that a
well-implemented HIS can perform in improving health services are as follows.
1. Easier access to files
The systems have revolutionized the collection and management of patient information. The
need for a hardcopy of the patient’s medical records becomes optional as the systems are electronic.
2. Better control
Only authorized personnel can have access information on the patient’s health. Doctors may be
given permission to update patient information while a receptionist may only have the authority to
update a patient’s appointments
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HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS

3. Easier updates
After creation of the record, patient information can be accessed and reviewed any time and
copies can be printed or released to the patient upon request.
4. Improved communications
HIS assists ocommunication among doctors and hospitals. However, medical professionals
must adhere to regulations on patient privacy and security to ensure that information is kept
confidential and safe from unauthorized access.

A good health information systems delivers accurate information in a timely manner, enabling decision-
makers informed choices about the different aspects of the health institution, from patient care to annual
budgets. It also upholds transparency and accountabiltiy due to easier access to informations.

Components of Health Information Systems

The Health Metrics Network (HMN), in its Framework and Standards for Country Health Information
Systems (2008), defines health information systems as consisting of six comonents

Figure 1: Six Elements of HIS

Image reference: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-six-components-of-a-health-information-system-

Source-wwwwhoint_fig1_335636262
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HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1. Health information systems resources

These include the framework on legistlation, regulation, planning, and the resources required
for the system to be fully functional(e.g., personnel, logistics support, financing, ICT, and the
component’s coordinating mechanism)
2. Indicators
The basis of the HIS plan ans strategy includes indicators and related targets such as the determinants
of health; health system inputs, outputs, and outcomes; and the health status
3. Data sources
Data sources are divided into two main categories: (1) population-based approaches such as civil
registration, censuses, and population surveys and (2) institution-based data such as individual records, resource
records, and service records. Occasional health surveys, research, and information produced by community-
based organizations may not be directly classified under the main categories, but they may provide useful
information.
4. Data Management
Data management refers to the handling of data, starting from collecting and storage to data flow and
quality assurance, processing, compilation, and data analysis
5. Information products
Data is transformed into useful infromation that serves as evidence and provides insight crucial to
shaping a health action.
6. Dissemination and use
HIS enhances the value of health information by making it readily available to policymakers and data
users.

These six components of health information systems can be categorized into inputs, processes, and
outputs
Inputs refer to the health information system resources. These resources include health, institutional
coordination and leadership, health information policies, financial and human resources, and infrastructures.
The indicators, data sources, and data management form the process in HIS. Core indicators are needed
as bases for program planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Population- and institutional-based sources are also
essential for decision-making as they provide guide to health service delivery. Importantly, these data must be
accessible and understandable by users and policymakers.
Outputs refer to the transformation of data information that can be used for decision-making and to
the dissemination and use of such information.

Difference Data Sources for Health Information Systems

 Demographic Data  Patient medical History
 Administrative Data  Current Medical Management
 Health Risk Information  Outcomes data
 Health Status
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Donaldson and Lohr (1994) explain that a comprehensive database for health information systems
include following:

1. Demographic data refers to the facts about the patient which include age and birthdate, gender,
marital status, address of residence, race, and ethnic origin. Information on educational background
and employment is also recorded along with information on immediate family members to be
contacted during emergency.
2. Administrative data includes information on service such as diagnostic tests or out-patient
procedures, kind of practitioner, physician’s specialty, nature of institution, and charges and
payments.
3. Health Risk Information records the lifestyle and behavior (e.g., use of tabacoo products or
engagement in strenous activities) of a patient and facts about his her family’s medical history and
other genetic factors. This information is used to evaluate the patient’s prospensity for different
diseases
4. Health status refers to the quality of life that a patient leads which is crucial to his or her health.
This shows the domains of health which include physical functioning, mental and emotional well-
being, cognitive functioning, and social functioning. It also shows one’s perception of his or her
health in comparison with that of his or her peers.
5. Patient medical history gives information on past medical encounters like hospital admissions,
pregnancies and live births, surgical procedures, medications, diagnostic or therapeutic
procedures, laboratory test, and counseling on health problems.
6. Current medical management reflects the patient’s health screening sessions, diagnoses,
allergies (especially on medications), current health problems, medications, diagnostic or
therapeutic procedures, laboratory test, and counseling on health problems.
7. Outcomes data presents the measures of afteeffects of health care and various health problems.
These data usually show the health care events (e.g., readmission to hospital unexpected
complications or side effects) and measures of satisfaction with care. Outcomes directly reported
by the patient after treatment will be most useful.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:

✔ Health information systems (HIS) refer to systems that capture, store, manage, and transmit
health-related information that can be sourced from individuals or activities of health
institutions.
✔ HIS improves the delivery of health services because it ensures easier file access, better
control, easier, update, and improved communications.
✔ The components of health information system are health information system resources
(inputs); indicators, data sources, and data management (processes); and transformation of
data into information, and its dissemination and use (outputs)
✔ The different data sourcce are demographic data, administrative data, health risk information,
health status, patient medical history, current medical management, and outcomes data.