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Hospital management & information-communication technology

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 Hospital management & information-communication technology
Velibor Božić
General hospital Koprivnica
veliborbozic@gmail.com

Introduction
Hospital management refers to the administration and organizational structure responsible for the
operation and coordination of a hospital. This involves overseeing the delivery of healthcare services, managing
personnel, financial resources, and facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing
strategies for improving patient care and outcomes. Effective hospital management requires strong leadership,
financial acumen, and a deep understanding of healthcare delivery systems and patient needs.

Tasks of hospital management

The tasks of hospital management (1) can be broadly categorized into the following areas:
Administrative responsibilities: This includes managing the overall operation of the hospital, developing and
implementing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations and accreditation standards, and
overseeing financial planning and budgeting.
Human resources management: This involves recruiting, hiring, and training staff, managing employee
relations, and creating a positive work environment.
Patient care management: This includes overseeing the delivery of high-quality patient care, managing patient
flow, and ensuring patient satisfaction.
Financial management: This involves developing and implementing a budget, managing revenue and expenses,
and ensuring financial stability.
Information technology management: This involves managing the hospital's information systems, including
electronic medical records, health information management, and data analysis.
Facility management: This involves managing the physical facilities of the hospital, including maintenance,
security, and safety.
Clinical operations management: This involves managing the hospital's clinical services, including diagnostic,
therapeutic, and surgical services, and ensuring the effective use of resources.
Quality management: This involves implementing processes to continuously improve the quality of patient
care, monitor patient outcomes, and measure performance.
Business development: This involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, such as expanding
services or entering new markets, to increase revenue and growth.
Community relations: This involves developing and maintaining positive relationships with the hospital's
community, including patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Overall, the main goal of hospital management is to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of high-quality
healthcare services to patients while maintaining financial stability.

ICT help in hospital managing

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can play a significant role in hospital management.
Some ways ICT can help with hospital management include (2):

 Electronic Medical Records (EMR): ICT can help manage patient records electronically, allowing for
easy access, storage, and retrieval of patient data, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
  Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS): ICT can provide real-time clinical decision support to
healthcare providers, helping to improve patient outcomes and increase patient safety.
 Telemedicine: ICT can support remote consultations, allowing healthcare providers to access and
share medical information from different locations, improving patient access to care.
 Inventory Management: ICT can help manage the hospital's inventory of supplies and equipment,
reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
 Patient Monitoring: ICT can support remote monitoring of patients, reducing the need for
hospitalization and allowing for early intervention if necessary.
 Data Analysis: ICT can support data analysis and reporting, allowing for more informed decision-
making and improved performance management.
 Administrative functions: ICT can automate many administrative tasks, such as appointment
scheduling, billing, and financial reporting, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.

Overall, ICT can greatly support and improve the various tasks of hospital management, increasing the
efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery while reducing costs and improving patient outcomes.

Managers’ attitude towards using ICT in hospital management

The attitude of hospital managers towards using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
decision-making (3), (4) can have a significant impact on the success of ICT implementation in a hospital.
Generally, there are three main attitudes that managers may have towards using ICT in decision-making:
Supportive: Managers with a supportive attitude towards ICT are likely to be proactive in implementing and
using ICT solutions to improve decision-making. They understand the potential benefits of ICT, such as
increased efficiency and improved patient outcomes, and are willing to invest time and resources to ensure
success.
Cautious: Managers with a cautious attitude towards ICT may be concerned about the costs, risks, and
technical challenges associated with ICT implementation. They may require more information and reassurance
before they are willing to fully embrace ICT.
Resistant: Managers with a resistant attitude towards ICT may be skeptical of the value of ICT and may view it
as a burden, rather than a tool to improve decision-making. They may be resistant to change and may be slow
to adopt new technologies.
The attitude of managers towards using ICT in decision-making can have a significant impact on the
success of ICT implementation in a hospital. Hospitals that have managers with supportive attitudes towards
ICT are likely to be more successful in leveraging technology to improve decision-making and achieve better
patient outcomes.

Governance with ICT by hospital managers

Hospital managers can effectively govern (5) the use of Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) by taking the following steps:
Develop a clear strategy: Hospital managers should develop a clear and comprehensive strategy for the use of
ICT in their organization. This strategy should align with the organization's overall mission and goals and take
into account the current and future needs of patients and staff.
Establish policies and procedures: Hospital managers should establish policies and procedures for the use of ICT
that ensure data privacy, security, and ethical considerations are addressed. This should include policies for
data storage, access, and management.
Ensure compliance: Hospital managers should ensure that the use of ICT in their organization is compliant with
relevant laws and regulations, including those related to data privacy and security.
Invest in technology and infrastructure: Hospital managers should invest in the technology and infrastructure
necessary to support the use of ICT in their organization. This includes hardware, software, and network
infrastructure, as well as ongoing maintenance and support.
Train and support staff: Hospital managers should provide training and support to staff to ensure they are able
to effectively use ICT in their work. This includes training on software and technology, as well as training on
policies and procedures related to the use of ICT.
Monitor and evaluate performance: Hospital managers should monitor and evaluate the performance of ICT in
their organization and make changes as necessary to improve outcomes. This may include regular audits and
assessments of data privacy and security, as well as evaluations of the effectiveness of technology and
processes.

By taking these steps, hospital managers can effectively govern the use of ICT in their organization,
ensuring that it is used in a secure and effective manner to support the delivery of quality healthcare.

Recent surveys on governance with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in

hospital management:

 "Healthcare IT Governance Survey" (2021) - This survey, conducted by the Healthcare Information and
Management Systems Society (HIMSS), provides insights into the governance of ICT in healthcare
organizations, including policies and procedures, data privacy and security, and staff training.
 "The State of Healthcare IT Governance" (2020) - This survey, conducted by Healthcare Information and
Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA),
provides insights into the governance of ICT in healthcare organizations, including the use of technology,
data privacy and security, and regulatory compliance.
 "Electronic Health Record (EHR) Governance Survey" (2019) - This survey, conducted by the Healthcare
Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), provides insights into the governance of electronic
health records (EHRs) in healthcare organizations, including data privacy and security, data management,
and staff training.
 "Health IT Governance Survey" (2018) - This survey, conducted by Black Book Research, provides insights
into the governance of ICT in healthcare organizations, including data privacy and security, technology
integration, and staff training.
 "Healthcare Cyber security Survey" (2017) - This survey, conducted by Black Book Research, provides
insights into the governance of ICT in healthcare organizations, with a focus on cybersecurity and data
privacy and security.

These surveys provide valuable insights into the governance of ICT in hospital management and can be
used by hospital managers to benchmark their own governance practices and identify areas for improvement.

Preconditions for using ICT for hospital management

There are several preconditions (6) that must be in place to effectively use Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) for hospital management:

 Technical Infrastructure: A reliable and secure technical infrastructure, including hardware, software,
and network connectivity, is necessary to support the use of ICT in hospital management.
 Adequate Funding: Implementing ICT solutions in a hospital requires significant investment in
technology and staff training. Adequate funding must be available to ensure the successful
implementation and ongoing maintenance of ICT systems.
  Skilled Personnel: Hospital management must have personnel with the technical skills necessary to
operate and maintain ICT systems, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure.
 Standardized Processes: The hospital must have standardized processes in place, such as electronic
medical record keeping and data sharing, to ensure the effective use of ICT.
 Data Security: ICT systems must be secure to protect patient privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that
sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access or theft.
 Organizational Culture: The hospital must have a culture that supports the use of ICT, including a
willingness to embrace change and a focus on continuous improvement.
 User Adoption: The success of ICT in hospital management depends on the willingness of healthcare
providers and hospital staff to adopt and use the technology effectively.

Overall, these preconditions must be in place to effectively leverage ICT to support and improve
hospital management. Implementing ICT solutions in a hospital requires careful planning and a commitment to
ensuring the success of the technology.

Advantages of using ICT in manage with hospital

There have been several studies that have investigated the impact of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) on hospital management and decision-making. Here are some of the key findings (7):
Improved Patient Outcomes: Several studies have shown that the use of ICT in hospital management can result
in improved patient outcomes, such as reduced lengths of stay, improved patient safety, and reduced medical
errors.
Increased Efficiency: Studies have found that ICT can improve the efficiency of hospital operations, reducing the
time required to complete tasks and freeing up healthcare providers to focus on patient care.
Improved Decision-Making: The use of ICT can provide real-time information and support to healthcare
providers, allowing them to make more informed decisions, leading to improved patient outcomes and
reduced costs.
Improved Patient Satisfaction: ICT can improve patient satisfaction by providing more convenient access to
care, reducing wait times, and improving the quality of care.
Cost Savings: ICT can result in cost savings by reducing the need for manual tasks, improving supply chain
management, and reducing medical errors.
Overall, the results of these studies suggest that the use of ICT in hospital management can result in
significant benefits, including improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and
cost savings. However, the success of ICT implementation in a hospital is dependent on a number of factors,
including the technical infrastructure, funding, personnel skills, and the attitude of hospital managers towards
ICT.
Concrete examples of advantages
Here are some concrete numerical indicators of using ICT in hospital management (8):

 Reduction in Length of Stay: A reduction in the average length of stay for patients, for example, from 5
to 4 days, can indicate improved patient care and efficiency in the hospital.
 Reduction in Medical Error Rates: A decrease in the rate of medical errors, for example, from 3% to
2%, can indicate improved patient safety through the use of ICT tools such as electronic medical
records and decision support systems.
 Increase in Patient Satisfaction: An increase in patient satisfaction, as measured by patient satisfaction
surveys, for example, from 80% to 85%, can indicate improved access to care, reduced wait times, and
improved quality of care through the use of ICT.
  Decrease in Operating Costs: A decrease in operating costs, for example, from $10 million to $9
million, can indicate cost savings through the use of ICT tools such as improved supply chain
management and reduced manual tasks.
 Increase in Staff Productivity: An increase in staff productivity, for example, from 10 tasks per hour to
12 tasks per hour, can indicate improved decision-making and increased efficiency through the use of
ICT tools.

These numerical values can provide concrete evidence of the impact of ICT on hospital management
and decision-making. By tracking these indicators, hospitals can measure the benefits of ICT and make
informed decisions about future investments in technology.

Disadvantages of using ICT in hospital managing (7)

 Technical Challenges: Implementing ICT can be technically challenging, requiring significant

investment in hardware and software, as well as personnel with the necessary skills to manage and
maintain the technology.
 Data Security: The use of ICT can raise concerns about data security and privacy, as sensitive patient
information is stored and transmitted electronically.
 Resistance to Change: Some healthcare providers may resist the adoption of ICT, as they may be
resistant to change and prefer to continue using traditional methods.
 Funding: Implementing ICT can be expensive, requiring significant investment in hardware, software,
and personnel.

Overall, the use of ICT in hospital management can bring significant benefits, including improved
patient outcomes, increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and cost savings. However, these benefits
must be balanced against the challenges and limitations of ICT, including technical difficulties, data security
concerns, resistance to change, and funding challenges.

Risks of using ICT in the area of hospital management

The disadvantages of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in hospital management
can raise several risks. Here are some of the key risks (9) associated with the limitations and challenges of ICT in
hospital management:
Data Breaches: The use of ICT can increase the risk of data breaches, where sensitive patient information is lost
or stolen, leading to privacy violations and harm to patients.
Technical Failures: ICT can be subject to technical failures, which can result in system downtime, lost data, and
reduced efficiency, leading to delays in patient care and harm to patients.
Resistance to Change: The resistance of healthcare providers to adopt ICT can result in a lack of investment in
technology, leading to a lack of progress and reduced competitiveness.
Funding Challenges: Implementing ICT can be expensive, and funding challenges can limit the ability of
hospitals to invest in technology, leading to a lack of progress and reduced competitiveness.
Inadequate Training: Healthcare providers who are not adequately trained in the use of ICT can make mistakes,
leading to reduced efficiency and harm to patients.
Dependence on Technology: The dependence on ICT can result in a loss of traditional skills and knowledge,
making it difficult to provide care in the absence of technology.
These risks must be considered and managed in order to ensure that the use of ICT in hospital
management is effective, safe, and sustainable. By addressing these risks, hospitals can take advantage of the
benefits of ICT while mitigating the potential challenges and limitations.
Managed with risks and their mitigation
The risks associated with using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in hospital
management can be mitigated through effective risk management practices. Here are some strategies that can
help mitigate the risks of using ICT in hospital management (10), (11):
 Data Security Measures: Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive patient information
from data breaches and privacy violations. This can include encryption, secure data storage, and access
controls.
 Technical Failures: Develop and implement contingency plans to manage technical failures, such as system
backups and disaster recovery procedures, to minimize the impact of downtime.
 Change Management: Develop change management strategies to address resistance to the adoption of
ICT, including training and support programs, to help healthcare providers understand the benefits and
limitations of ICT.
 Funding: Develop and implement funding strategies to ensure that sufficient resources are available to
invest in ICT, including funding from government, private sector, and other sources.
 Training: Develop and implement training programs to ensure that healthcare providers are adequately
trained in the use of ICT, including best practices and technical skills
 Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the use of ICT in hospital management to identify
opportunities for improvement, including the identification of new risks and mitigation strategies.
By implementing these risk management strategies, hospitals can ensure that the use of ICT in hospital
management is effective, safe, and sustainable, and that the benefits of ICT are maximized while the risks are
minimized.
Conclusions and further research of using ICT in hospital management
In conclusion, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in hospital management
has the potential to bring significant benefits to healthcare providers and patients, including improved patient
care, increased efficiency, and reduced costs. However, the use of ICT also presents several risks and limitations
that must be managed effectively in order to ensure that the benefits are realized.

Further research is needed to continue to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with
the use of ICT in hospital management, including the development of new technologies, the implementation of
effective risk management strategies, and the evaluation of the impact of ICT on patient care and healthcare
outcomes. This research should also address the social and cultural barriers to the adoption of ICT, and the
need for training and support programs to help healthcare providers adopt and effectively use ICT.

In addition, it is important to consider the ethical implications of using ICT in hospital management,
including the protection of patient privacy and the impact of technology on healthcare providers and the
healthcare system.

Overall, the use of ICT in hospital management represents a significant opportunity for the healthcare
sector, and continued research and investment in this area is essential to ensure that the benefits of ICT are
realized, while minimizing the risks and limitations.

Sources about using ICT in hospital management

Here are some sources of information about using Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
in hospital management:
Journal articles: Relevant academic journals such as Health Informatics Journal, Journal of Medical Systems,
and Journal of Healthcare Information Management and Administration publish articles on the use of ICT in
hospital management, including the benefits, risks, and limitations.
Books: Books on healthcare information technology, such as "Healthcare Information Technology For
Dummies" by Karen A. Wager and Laura B.Weiss, and "Health Informatics: An Interdisciplinary Approach" by
Karen A. Wager, John P. Gould, and Frances W. Lee provide an overview of the use of ICT in hospital
management.
Government reports: Reports from government agencies, such as the Office of the National Coordinator for
Health Information Technology and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, provide information on
the use of ICT in hospital management and its impact on healthcare outcomes.
Industry reports: Reports from industry organizations, such as the Healthcare Information and Management
Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Healthcare Information Management Executives (HIMSS), provide insights
into the current and future use of ICT in hospital management.
Conferences and events: Conferences and events, such as the Healthcare Information and Management
Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Conference, provide opportunities to learn about the latest developments in
ICT in hospital management and to network with experts in the field.
Some recent literature sources on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
hospital management:
 "Digital Transformation in Healthcare: The Role of Information and Communication Technology"
(2021) - This article, published in the Journal of Medical Systems, explores the impact of ICT on
healthcare delivery and the challenges faced by healthcare organizations in implementing digital
transformation.
 "The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Healthcare Outcomes: A Systematic
Review" (2021) - This systematic review, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research,
assesses the evidence on the impact of ICT on healthcare outcomes, including patient satisfaction,
quality of care, and healthcare costs.
 "Adoption and Implementation of Electronic Health Records in Hospitals: A Systematic Review" (2020)
- This systematic review, published in the Journal of Medical Systems, examines the factors that
influence the adoption and implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in hospitals and their
impact on healthcare outcomes.
 "Telemedicine and Telehealth in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities and Challenges" (2020) - This
article, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, examines the opportunities and
challenges of telemedicine and telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential to
improve healthcare delivery.
 "Big Data in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges" (2019) - This article, published in the Journal of
Medical Systems, explores the opportunities and challenges of using big data in healthcare, including
data privacy, security, and ethical considerations.
These recent literature sources provide insights into the latest developments and trends in the use of
ICT in hospital management and can help inform best practices and future research in this area.

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