Have you ever heard about Health Information Technology Management? Keep your interest, since this is the focus of this article. Let’s find out.
What Is Health Information Technology Management?
Health Information Technology Management is the practice of managing Health Information Technology (HIT) such as electronic health records (EHR), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and other medical software to improve the quality and safety of patient care, and to lower costs.
Health Information Technology Management personnel are responsible for setting up, implementing, and maintaining policies, procedures, processes, and technologies used for patient care.
So, to do this work, health information technology managers must know about:
- Information technology
- Business management
- Organizational development
The goal of Health Information Technology Management is to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure quality care in healthcare organizations. Also, it’s a fast-growing field that requires the expertise of business, healthcare, and information technology professionals.
Health information technology managers also work in many different settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties also vary depending on their employer.
Benefits of a Good Health Information Technology Management Program
A good Health IT Management program will ensure:
- A health information system that meets the needs of the organization and its patients and staff.
- Continuous improvement in the delivery of healthcare services through the use of technology.
- Careful planning for changes to the information system to meet changing needs.
- The availability of skilled personnel to implement, support, and maintain the system.
Health Information Technology Management Skills: What Is Needed?
Health Information Technology Management professionals need a wide range of skills, including:
•People Skills
Health Information Technology Managers work with many different people daily, from physicians and other staff to patients and their families. So, they must be good listeners, able to ask effective questions, and able to work well with others to ensure the success of the health information technology program. Senior managers also need excellent communication skills to effectively report on their program’s status.
•Computer Skills
Health Information Technology Managers must also use a wide array of computer programs in their job, from word processing and email to databases, spreadsheets, and specialized software. They must also be able to work effectively with the technical staff responsible for installing and maintaining the system.
•Organizational Skills
Health IT Managers must be able to organize large amounts of information about a healthcare organization. They also need strong organizational skills to ensure that all of the data is entered correctly into the computer system. In addition, they must be able to use their problem-solving skills to find solutions when mistakes are made in the system or when there are glitches in the system design.
•Business Skills
Health IT Managers must have a solid understanding of business and finance principles to keep an eye on a health care organization’s bottom line. So, they must understand how to keep track of costs related to maintaining an EHR or other health information technology programs. In addition, they need to be familiar with financial systems and know-how to analyze financial data related to their health care organization’s EHR or other HIT programs.
Conclusion
If you want a career that’s closely connected to the healthcare industry and that offers plenty of opportunity for advancement, consider Health IT Management. The growth of the healthcare industry, combined with the continued expansion of HIT programs, ensures that there will be plenty of jobs available in this field.
