The medical information system workflow automation is a progressive software product designed to optimize the main areas of work of a clinic of any specialization.
This article will define Medical Information System and describe its functions in detail. And list the features of some of the most interesting systems from our point of view.
Tasks that the implementation of the Medical Information System solves
A medical institution is a state or commercial enterprise in which continuous business processes related to examining and treating patients occur. Each such process involves a chain: patient ↔ doctor ↔ junior medical staff ↔ cashier/receptionist, ↔ external contractors (insurance company). Dependent on the efficacy of this chain is the quality of services provided and customer satisfaction—the elaboration of the smallest nuances and the coordination of actions of all links.
With the introduction of information systems into the work of medical organizations, it became possible:
- effective management of the institution;
- convenient operation of electronic document management;
- coordinated work with patients and staff;
- Prompt tracking of all organizational, legal, and financial issues.
Main components of Medical Information System
For any such product, core and optional modules are provided that can be combined to customize the system for a particular institution.
So, for the effective management of a medical organization, the following components have been developed:
- Medical. Everything related to patient turnover: medical records, treatment protocols, appointments with specialists, sick leave records, digital data from clinical trials, and indicators of patient monitoring devices. Such modules also reflect the support of patients during the transition from one type of medical institution to another (outpatient clinic, clinic, hospital).
- Management and analytical. Medical decision support system, audit of the effectiveness and quality of services provided to the population, management accounting. Implementing the module will allow you to quickly identify problem nodes and optimize processes. Users will be able to quickly find data on the specified parameters and display it in the form of easy-to-read tables, graphs, and print. There is a restriction on the level of access.
- Financial and economical. Connecting the module will allow you to put things in order in accounting, in accounting for medicines, and in the economic sector. Tools are available for calculating allowances for clinic employees, service tariffs, treatment costs, and a financial audit.
- General technical. Ability to integrate Medical Information systems into other systems and programs, streamline user access, and protect databases.
The systems also provide instant messengers for communication between clinic employees, bulletin boards for news, and other necessary information.
Advantages of Medical Information System
Every medical facility handles hundreds of patients every day. Therefore, the flow of people must be regulated and directed, and the registry and reception do this.
In addition, it is necessary to draw up work schedules for doctors and medical staff. The work of accounting also requires control. Thus, management must constantly keep abreast.
Using a medical information system will save you from the continuous manual filling of all kinds of papers, sick leave, and medical records. In addition, it will automate the work of all units and departments of the clinic as follows:
- to improve the quality of services to the population, to neutralize the influence of the human factor – to eliminate such common mistakes as the loss of a medical record, the issuance of research results to the wrong patient, confusion in the documents to the doctor;
- comprehensively supervise the work of employees;
- Implement unified service standards.
The Telemedicine service deserves special attention. Each doctor can consult online with colleagues from other clinics on important issues, especially regarding the diagnosis and prescribing of the right treatment. In emergency cases, such teleconferences save patients.
The medical information system will also make life easier for patients, who will be relieved of queues at the registry office for a coupon to see a doctor. When the system is integrated into the medical website design for the clinic, citizens can make an appointment with any specialist online at a convenient time. In addition, each user will have a personal account to view their appointments and examination results, including x-rays, at any time. The system will also allow you to quickly and conveniently issue a doctor’s house call.
Overview of modern IIAs
There are many information platforms on the market. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can select the most suitable for a specific clinic. Let’s consider the most interesting of them.
Methods
The system was created for commercial and dental institutions and social network clinics. In addition, the platform is available to work in local and medical social networks.
It is equipped with all the basic options, including maintaining electronic medical records, online registration on the clinic’s website, forming contracts and other documents, billing for services, payment transactions, business accounting, promotions, push, and SMS mailings.
Advantages Flaws Terms of purchase
The presence of an appointment with a doctor online, built-in integration with telephony UIS and others via API (Asterisk), with the 1C program. Client and technical support (included in the license purchase price). Simple interface There is no multi-factor authorization and limited data storage capabilities. Missing demo There are two ways to purchase: cloud subscription or one-time license purchase. Subscription payment
Clinic365
Successful CRM solution for private clinics. You can work both locally and on the server. It has the main modules: accounting for clients, managing doctors’ schedules, and monitoring patient payments. Before starting work, you will need to manually fill in the reference blocks for employees and patients, work schedules, and services.
Setting up the algorithm for working with patients, integrated CRM system, telephony integration, flexible options for working with electronic medical records, authorized reports, access control, No trial access, multi-factor authorization, no chance to send emails to customers, two types of license: perpetual and temporary. The price for the first one depends on the size of the clinic staff. Subscription payment
Med Element
Suitable for any clinics, pharmacies, or dentistry. Contains directories of diseases, terms, medicines, and laboratory parameters. You can even post-medical reviews.
Advantages Flaws Terms of purchase
Mobile application for finding the right doctor, making an appointment, and communication. The cumbersome interface Subscription fee for the selected period: month, six months, year
Above, we talked about the features of the systems that seem to us the most interesting. Unfortunately, there are many more of them in the medical marketing agency. Any information system has advantages and disadvantages, which you should consider before buying.
Medical Information System development
Medical institutions purchase ready-made systems, focusing on the type of clinic and the number and scale of everyday tasks. On the other hand, private clinics most often order individual development. Therefore, to choose the right software solution, you need to focus on two factors: the method of use and the cost of the system.
Medical Information System is either in a cloud network (SaaS) or a company server. The first method is cheaper and more convenient for the buyer: you can pay and use it. The developers provide support. Of the minuses – not always, and not in every system, you can implement all the desired options.
Installation on your server guarantees the absence of third parties using the system and collecting and managing data. Additional modules and flexible settings are available.
Instead of a conclusion
The price of the Medical Information System depends on the implemented additional modules. Each clinic has so-called automated workstations: registry workstations, doctor’s workstations, middle staff workstations, etc.
Any medical information system will significantly reduce the costs of the institution’s life and free up time that can be used to solve other work tasks.