Hospital Information System

A Hospital Information System (HIS) basically is a synonym for information management system at use in hospitals. Hospitals generate a wealth of data round the clock, 365 days a year, all of which needs to be well managed to ensure efficient functioning. Patients visit such establishments for outpatient care, in an emergency, or get admitted for either a short stay (a few hours) or long in duration (that may sometimes be indefinite). While in the past, the important modules of an HIS tended to be those that dealt with revenue management aspects, the recent trend sees a growing emphasis on improving overall efficiency and clinical management. It must be noted here that while some modules are required by all clinical establishments, requirement for others depend on the size of and specialities covered by a particular establishment.

Hospital information systems provide a common source of information about a patient’s health history. The system has to keep data in a secure place and controls who can reach the data in certain circumstances. These systems enhance the ability of health care professionals to coordinate care by providing a patient’s health information and visit history at the place and time that it is needed. Patient’s laboratory test information also includes visual results such as X-ray, which may be reachable by professionals. HIS provide internal and external communication among health care providers. Portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers may be used at the bedside.