Health information technology and its evolution in australian hospitals

Abstract

Information technology has altered many aspects of our lives. Healthcare has accelerated its adoption primarily with the aim to reduce health system inefficiencies and improve the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The burgeoning and seasoned medical administrator is likely to encounter more and more transformational programs where health information technology plays a significant role. This chapter focuses on key principles of a typical Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementation, with a practical case study of Australia's first fully integrated digital hospital at St Stephen's Hospital Hervey Bay, from the perspective of a Chief Medical Information Officer. This will equip medical administrators with a base level of expertise to support these endeavours within their organisations and serve as a preliminary introduction to health information technology.