WHAT IS E- HEALTH
The application of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) in support of healthcare and health-related
fields. This includes healthcare services, health surveillance, health
literature, health education, knowledge, and research.
WHAT IS INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
This includes all forms of technology used to create, store,
exchange and use information in its various forms (source NITDA Act). Also, it
includes hardware, software, and database.
WHAT IS A HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
A health diagnostic center, also known as a
medical diagnostic center or medical testing facility, is a specialized
healthcare facility that focuses on performing various diagnostic tests and
procedures to assess the health and well-being of individuals. These centers
play a crucial role in disease detection, monitoring, and providing valuable
information for healthcare professionals to make informed medical decisions.
OLD OPERATION OF A HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
·
Doctor refers a patient to carry out a laboratory or radiological test.
·
The patient enters a diagnostic center; the reception/front desk
registers the patient manually in a paper format.
·
Assuming is radiological test, the Radiographers takes the person
to the appropriate machine and perform the test and prints the outcome on a
film.
·
The Radiologist interprets
the outcome by looking at film through a light board and writes out the result
of the test which the patient will send to the referring doctor for treatment
and recommendation.
APPLICATION OF E-HEALTH TO A DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
The following technologies are applied.
·
Electronic Health Record (EHR)
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a
patient's comprehensive health information, stored and managed in a
computerized system. EHRs are designed to provide a longitudinal view of a
patient's health history, including medical history, diagnoses, medications,
treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and
laboratory test results. The primary purpose of EHRs is to facilitate the
sharing of health information among healthcare providers and support continuity
of care.
·
Radiological Information System (RIS)
Radiology Information System is a networked software system
for managing medical imagery and associated data. A RIS is especially useful
for tracking radiology imaging orders and billing information and is often used
in conjunction with PACS and VNAs to manage image archives, record-keeping,
and billing.
·
Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)
PACS
is a medical imaging technology used to securely store and digitally transmit
electronic images and clinical reports. Instead of manually carrying of file
and store, retrieve and send sensitive information, films and reports, medical
documentation and images are securely housed together and safely accessed
essentially from anywhere in the world using PACS software, workstations, and
mobile devices.
·
Vendor Neutral Archiving System (VNAS)
A vendor neutral archive (VNA) is a technology that stores
medical images in a standard format and interface, making them accessible to
healthcare professionals regardless of what proprietary system created the
images.
·
Laboratory Information System (LIS)
A
Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a software system designed to manage and
automate the operations of a medical laboratory. The primary purpose of an LIS
is to facilitate the efficient and accurate processing of laboratory test
orders, sample tracking, and the reporting of test results. LIS helps
streamline the workflow within the laboratory, enhancing productivity, reducing
errors, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
·
DICOM Viewer
DICOM (Digital
images and communications in Medicine) is the international standard to communicate and
manage medical images and data. It ensures the interoperability of systems
used to produce, store, share, display, send, query, process, retrieve and
print medical images, as well as to manage related workflows.
·
Computers and Networking Hardware
Computers and servers play a crucial role in the functioning of a
healthcare diagnostic center. Their work is diverse and includes various tasks
that contribute to efficient patient care, accurate diagnostics, and overall
operational management. Computers and servers are integral to the daily
operations of a healthcare diagnostic center, supporting clinical,
administrative, and research functions to provide high-quality and timely
healthcare services.
PATIENT JOURNEY IN A DIAGNOSTIC CENTER USING E-HEALTH
Step
1: Patient Registration at Front Desk using EHR.
Ø The patient arrives at the diagnostic center and meets the Front
Desk staff.
Ø The Front Desk staff registers the patient using the Electronic
Health Record (EHR) system, capturing essential demographic and medical
information.
Step
2: Laboratory Test Process
Ø If the test is a laboratory test, the patient is directed to the
lab section.
Ø The laboratory staff collects the required samples from the
patient for testing.
Ø The Front Desk staff informs the patient about the method of
result delivery (via email or hard copy).
Ø Once the laboratory tests are conducted, the results are
generated.
Step
3: Radiological Test Process
Ø If the test is a radiological test, the patient is directed to
the appropriate imaging machine based on the type of test prescribed.
Step
4: Image Capture and Export to PACS/VNAS Server
Ø Radiographers capture images using radiological equipment.
Ø The captured images are exported to the Picture Archiving and
Communication System (PACS) or Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) Server, where they
are stored.
Step
5: Radiologist’s Review and Generation of Reports
Ø The Consultant Radiologist accesses the images on a computer
system using a DICOM viewer, a specialized tool for viewing medical images.
Ø The Radiologist interprets the images and writes a detailed
report of the findings using the Radiological Information System (RIS).
Step
6: Result Delivery to the Patient
Ø The Front Desk staff notifies the patient when the radiologist's
report is ready.
Ø The patient receives the test results either via email or as a
hard copy, depending on the chosen delivery method.
Throughout this
process, the use of electronic systems such as EHR, PACS, VNAS, and RIS
enhances efficiency, reduces the risk of errors, and facilitates seamless
communication among different departments within the diagnostic center.
Additionally, the integration of these systems contributes to a more
streamlined and patient-centric healthcare experience.
ADVANTAGES
OF ADOPTING E-HEALTH
The adoption of E-health,
or electronic health technologies, offers numerous advantages that contribute
to improved healthcare delivery, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
1. E-health enables remote access to healthcare services, allowing
patients to consult with healthcare providers, access medical information, and
receive follow-up care without the need for physical presence, especially
beneficial for individuals in remote or underserved areas.
2. Electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchange
(HIE) systems facilitate seamless sharing of patient information among
healthcare providers. This enhances coordination of care, reduces duplication
of tests, and ensures that all involved parties have access to relevant patient
data.
3. EHR systems streamline the management of patient information,
including medical histories, test results, and treatment plans. This efficiency
reduces paperwork, minimizes errors, and enables quick access to critical data,
leading to better-informed decision-making.
4. E-health enables the provision of telemedicine services,
allowing healthcare providers to remotely diagnose and treat patients. Remote
monitoring of patients with chronic conditions is also facilitated, leading to
proactive healthcare management and early intervention.
5. By reducing paperwork, minimizing manual processes, and
preventing unnecessary tests through better information sharing, e-health can
lead to cost savings for healthcare providers. It also offers potential savings
for patients by reducing travel expenses and time spent on clinic visits.
6. Patient portals and mobile health applications empower
individuals to actively participate in their healthcare. Patients can access
their medical records, schedule appointments, receive reminders, and
communicate with healthcare providers, fostering a more engaged and informed
patient population.
7. E-health systems often incorporate clinical decision support
tools that provide healthcare professionals with relevant information, alerts
for potential issues, and evidence-based recommendations, leading to improved
diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions.
8. E-health data can be aggregated and analyzed to monitor public
health trends, track the spread of infectious diseases, and facilitate early
detection of potential health crises. This contributes to more effective public
health planning and response.
9. E-health systems prioritize security and privacy, implementing
measures such as encryption, access controls, and audit trails to protect
patient data. Compliance with healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA, ensures
the confidentiality and integrity of health information.
10. E-health data can be utilized for research purposes,
contributing to advancements in medical science. Population health management
initiatives leverage electronic health information to identify health trends,
target interventions, and improve overall community health.
REFERENCE
1. Nigeria
Federal Ministry of Health: National Health ICT Strategic Framework 2015 – 2020,
March 2016.
2. Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre,
Lasuth, Lagos, Nigeria.
3. NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, LUTH, Lagos,
Nigeria.
