What Is Health Information Technology?
Health information technology refers to technology in the form of an electronic database that could be used in place of paper to store medical information. This type of technology has many different benefits that can improve the lives of both patients and medical professionals. Still, there are some drawbacks to health information technology that must also be addressed. By using complex computer storage systems, medical professionals could easily input patient information that can later be accessed by other medical professionals. Since many people visit with a range of medical specialists, shared patient knowledge would prevent medical errors such as the prescribing of conflicting medications. In addition, upon looking at a patient’s virtual medical chart, medical professionals would not be tempted to try procedures that have already been administered. Health information technology also serves a practical purpose. Unlike paper medical charts, electronic charts have a smaller chance of
