A Review of Hospital Management Systems

Authors: Vishal Bapurao Dhange, L. R. Bagwan, L. D. Hingane
Published in: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021)

Abstract

The rapid advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the healthcare industry. The introduction of E-Hospital Management Systems (E-HMS) has enhanced hospital administration, improved patient care, and ensured cost control. The study focuses on understanding hospital information systems (HIS), key performance indicators, Health Level Seven (HL7) standards, and successful implementations of HIS globally. The research is qualitative, primarily based on secondary data sources and successful case studies.

Introduction

With an increasing population and rising healthcare demands, hospitals are shifting toward digital solutions to enhance efficiency and service quality. Hospital Information Systems (HIS) help medical professionals and administrators by streamlining data management and optimizing workflows. The study aims to identify key components and performance indicators of E-HMS.

Goals of a Proposed Hospital Management System

The key goals include:

1. Planned Approach: Organizing hospital data systematically for easy retrieval.
2. Accuracy: Ensuring error-free data processing.
3. Reliability: Storing patient information securely.
4. No Redundancy: Avoiding repetition of data.
5. Immediate Retrieval & Storage: Enabling quick access to patient records.
6. User-friendly Operations: Making the system accessible to all healthcare professionals.

Background of Hospital Management

Hospitals provide various services, including diagnosis, treatment, patient admissions, and immunizations. Traditional hospital management relies on manual record-keeping, which is inefficient and prone to errors. The shift to digital HIS enhances service quality by automating tasks like patient registration, billing, and inventory management.

Alternative Solutions

1. Improved Manual System: Enhancing paper-based documentation but still prone to inefficiencies.
2. Batch Processing System: Periodic data processing but lacks real-time updates.
3. Online System (HIS): A fully automated system enabling real-time data updates and integration across departments.

Research Methodology

The study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on secondary data sources, survey reports, and case studies to analyze HIS implementations.

Hospital Information System (HIS) Definitions

• Paul R. Vegoda (1987): HIS improves patient care by enhancing user knowledge and decision-making.
• Haux, Schmücker, and Winter (1996): HIS comprises all hospital data processing and storage subsystems, beyond just computer applications.

Framework for Hospital Management

Health Level Seven (HL7) Standards

HL7 is an international standard for healthcare data exchange, enabling interoperability between hospital systems. The framework includes:

• Use Case Models
• Information Models
• Interaction Models
• Implementable Message Specifications

Hospital Management Tasks and Features

1. Patient Information Storage: Digital medical records.
2. Data Flow Management: Automated inter-departmental data transfers.
3. Financial Management: Monitoring expenses and treatment costs.
4. Resource Allocation: Efficient hospital asset utilization.

Influencing Factors in Healthcare Systems

1. Environmental Factors: External and internal hospital influences.
2. Demographics: Rising elderly populations increase healthcare demands.
3. Economic Factors: Rising hospital costs affect service affordability.
4. Technological Advances: Innovations such as digital records and telemedicine improve healthcare delivery.
5. Consumer Preferences: Patients demand better service quality and transparency.
6. Quality Management: Implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) for improved service.

Hospital Management System Modules

Basic Modules

1. Patient Registration & Appointment Scheduling
2. Outpatient Management
3. Billing & Insurance Handling
4. Service Management
5. User Access & Security Controls

Optional Modules

1. Pharmacy Management
2. Laboratory Information System
3. Radiology & Imaging
4. Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
5. Dietary & Housekeeping Management
6. Nursing & Emergency Care
7. Blood Bank Management
8. Payroll & HR Management
9. Management Information System (MIS) Dashboard

Conclusion

The adoption of HIS significantly enhances hospital operations, ensuring efficiency, security, and compliance with global standards like HIPAA and HL7. While HIS implementation varies across institutions, leadership support, staff training, and technological integration remain key success factors. Future research should focus on AI-driven hospital management solutions for further optimization.

References

The article credits Mr. Vishal Bapurao Dhange, Mr. L. R. Bagwan, and Mr. L. D. Hingane from Aditya Pharmacy College, Beed, for their research contributions as published in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021). Additional references include:

1. Alice Kok, FutureGov (2012)
2. OECD Report (2012)
3. Paul R. Vegoda (1987)
4. Garrido et al. (2004)
5. Mauro Regio (2005)
6. WHO Health Evidence Report (2003)

Source:- A REVIW ARTICLE OF HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT

Source:- https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1617761691.pdf

PGDHM