The Role of Health Information Technology in Reducing Medical Errors

  • Hamoud Farhan W. Alruwaili et.al
Keywords: Health Information Technology, medical errors, patient safety, electronic health records, computerized physician order entry, clinical decision support systems, medication prescribing, data analytics, adverse events.

Abstract

Health Information Technology (HIT) plays a critical role in reducing medical errors, significantly enhancing patient safety and care quality. By implementing electronic health records (EHRs), computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, and clinical decision support systems (CDSS), healthcare providers can minimize the risk of errors related to medication prescribing, diagnosis, and treatment plans. EHRs streamline access to patient information, allowing for better coordination among healthcare teams and reducing instances of miscommunication. CPOE systems help eliminate handwriting errors and provide tools for checking drug interactions, allergies, and dosages, which are common sources of medical errors. These technologies foster a culture of safety by ensuring that clinicians have reliable and comprehensive patient data at their fingertips. Moreover, HIT facilitates the collection and analysis of data concerning adverse events and near misses, enabling healthcare organizations to identify trends and implement preventive measures. By using data analytics, hospitals can assess the effectiveness of safety protocols and training programs aimed at minimizing risks. The integration of health information systems further supports continuous learning within healthcare settings, allowing providers to adapt to new insights and improve practices over time. As the healthcare sector increasingly adopts advanced technologies, the potential for reducing medical errors and enhancing patient outcomes continues to grow, making HIT an essential component of modern healthcare.

Author Biography

Hamoud Farhan W. Alruwaili et.al

Hamoud Farhan W. Alruwaili¹, Yasir Saleem Saleh Albalawi², Alahmde Abdulrahim Zaid H.³, Hussam Ghazi Mubarak Alraddadi⁴, Nashmi Eid Alrashidi⁵, Mubarak Ayed Khalaf Alshammari⁶, Alshammary Majed Mobarak M.⁷, Jassar Mohammed Fayaad Aldhuwayhi⁸, Alshammari Abdullah Ghaith G.⁹, Hamidah Ghassab Alruwaili¹⁰

¹ Technician-Medical Informatics, Al-Jouf Health Cluster, Sweer General Hospital, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia.
² Technician-Health Informatics, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Tabuk, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia.
³ Health Informatics Technician, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁴ Health and Hospital Management Specialist, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁵ Technician-Health Informatics, Hail, Bada Bin Khalaf, Saudi Arabia.
⁶ Health Informatics Senior Specialist, King Salman Specialist Hospital, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁷ Health & Hospital Administration Specialist, Hail Health Cluster, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁸ Technician-Medical Secretary, King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Al-Jouf, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia.
⁹ Technician-Medical Secretary, General Directorate of Health Affairs, Al-Jouf, Maternity and Children Hospital, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia.
¹⁰ Health Information Systems, Eastern Turaif Primary Health Care, Turaif, Northern Border Region, Saudi Arabia.

Published
2023-10-04
Issue
Vol 2023 No Issue 2 (2023)
Section
Regular Issue
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