Conclusion
An introduction of Computerized Patient Administration System to the
Health Care Organizations is no doubt a revolutionary success. It has
been destined to play a crucial role in health care delivery to the patients,
to streamline the information flow within the organizations and to control
the cost and time in services provided 1 . Flexibility in content and
use, integration and adaptability to change are key requirements for
successful CPAS 2 . Still yet, its implementation requires commitment
of the management, whether it is a small practice or a large healthcare
institution. “No matter which strategy the management decides to adopt,
enthusiastic initiators are few and majority of future users still needs
to be motivated” 2 .
Quality care involves informed decision making, which depends on the
quality of information provided to the carer. It is therefore important
that reliable and sufficient information is accessible where and when
it is needed 2 . However hard institutions try to improve systems and
make information more accessible, there will also be individuals who
abuse the system. Security and confidentiality of data are of paramount
importance to protect the patients from having incorrect data held and
to protect them from having data made public 3 .
The UK has had its share in failed IT systems, wasted millions and disciplinary
hearings 17 . The computer industry has grown by displaying its products
as necessary for effective health care. Until this is demonstrated by
experience and sound research, skepticism is required. The errors will
continue to be replicated until the distinctive character of hospital
information systems is acknowledged and properly designed evaluation
is built into all contracts at the beginning 17 .
The idea behind CPAS is a move towards a population-based approach to
health care, in which diagnoses and clinical risk strata group patients.
The ultimate aim is to see integrated patient records in GP practices
and health centers, electronic transmission of prescriptions between
GPs and pharmacists, all primary care staff connected to NHSnet, and
electronic clinical communication to support booking of in-patient appointments
from the GP surgery, faster test results, protocol-based referrals and
timely discharge information 9 .
If health care is a business and good patient health results are the
measure of success than the continued dedication towards the improvement
of CPAS can only be of benefit to all concerned 5 .
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Introduction
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The
dimensions of the change in the UK
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The
implications of this change
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Conclusion
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References
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