Learn what a health information system is, benefits, best practices, and more in Data Protection 101, our series on the fundamentals of information security.
A health information system (HIS) refers to a system designed to manage healthcare data. This includes systems that collect, store, manage and transmit a patient’s electronic medical record (EMR), a hospital’s operational management or a system supporting healthcare policy decisions.
Health information systems also include those systems that handle data related to the activities of providers and health organizations. As an integrated effort, these may be leveraged to improve patient outcomes, inform research, and influence policy-making and decision-making. Because health information systems commonly access, process, or maintain large volumes of sensitive data, security is a primary concern.
Health information technology (HIT) involves the development of health information systems.
EXAMPLES OF HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Health information systems can be used by everyone in healthcare from patients to clinicians to public health officials. They collect data and compile it in a way that can be used to make healthcare decisions.
Examples of health information systems include:
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Health Record (EHR)
These two terms are almost used interchangeably. The electronic medical record replaces the paper version of a patient’s medical history. The electronic health record includes more health data, test results, and treatments. It also is designed to share data with other electronic health records so other healthcare providers can access a patient’s healthcare data.
