The Healthcare Managers Role in Information Technology Management

Table of Contents

Introduction
Managing the technological Environment
Management of workforce
Data Protection and Patient Confidentiality
Leadership in procurement
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The current economic climate has influenced the use of information technology in almost all sectors of society. The current healthcare environment is becoming more complex and dynamic, thanks to the advancement of information technology. Quality and efficient service delivery are very critical for institutions to survive in the ever-competitive global economic climate. For this reason, healthcare facilities need to be not only technologically oriented but are governed by competent and skilled leadership. For effective management of the healthcare institutions, the manager should have relevant skills in environmental analysis for new and competing technology, use of IT for data quality and safety, and administration of information systems.

Managing the technological Environment

The healthcare manager should be knowledgeable in information technology such that he/she will have to monitor the environmental technology to implement the relevant changes required in health technology. The current trend in society is automation and therefore most of the health care operations will be carried out using information technology. For instance, patient data and all other institutional information will be stored and processed using computer technology, and in most cases, the data will need protection due to its sensitivity. It, therefore, becomes paramount for the manager to understand the technological basics that will enhance him/her be to capable to understand the automated medical records (Ashp, 2008, p.11).

Management of workforce

It is the role of the healthcare manager to ensure that all the employees in the institution have the skills in information technology to run the institutions operations effectively. Since almost all the healthcare services are automated including using technology to carry out diagnosis, surgery, intensive care as well as physiotherapy; the healthcare manager must ensure that the services are administered with competency. This can only succeed when all the staff has a good understanding of the technology in use.

Data Protection and Patient Confidentiality

Healthcare institutions are governed by an ethical and legal obligation of patient information confidentiality, the breach of which may lead to legal course or even removal of the operating license. Therefore, the manager must ensure that all the data in the institution is protected, all the staff members observe the highest level of integrity, and that all the rules of the regulating authorities are complied with fully.

Technological investment is a costly affair especially considering that technology keeps on advancing (Malloch and Porter-OGrady, 2009, p. 127). In this case, efficiency is very vital. The healthcare manager will be tasked with the responsibility to ensure that the technology is efficiently funded and that the implementation of the technology is done at a very reasonable cost. This is through the appreciation that, although the setup cost may be prohibitive, the outcome and prospects are high-quality care, faster service delivery, and efficient operation.

Leadership in procurement

Development and procumbent of information technology is a tricky affair especially considering that the application of such technology is on public health. Therefore, it needs a thorough evaluation to ensure that, once put into use; it will provide the desired results. According to Malloch and Porter-OGrady (2009), it is the role of the healthcare manager to give leadership on the whole information system and evaluation criteria that will be both economical and will be sensitive to the quality of life.

Conclusion

The health care manager plays a vital role in ensuring that the health care operations are efficiently carried out through the use of new technology. The healthcare sector is rapidly transforming in the use of technology and therefore guidance and leadership are important to ensure that the automation results in the desired outcomes.