Meet the Automated System

 Automated Health 

Information System

The term health information system is often being used without a clear definition of its objectives, components and area of application. This paper reviews the types and major uses of systems designed for collecting, processing, analyzing and distributing information required for organizing and operating health services. Theoretical considerations based on information theory, systems theory and the prevailing planning ideology for the development of the data base of such systems as well as practical guidelines for the inclusion of specific data items into the data base, are being presented.

Utilization of computer technology in health care is expanding, and managers need information regarding existing automated functions when making decisions relative to system design or acquisition. The Automated Hospital Information System (AHIS) Component Catalog, compiled by the Health Services Research Center/Health Care Technology Center (HSRC/HCTC) at the University of Missouri-Columbia, describes the features of software packages offered by vendors and utilized in hospitals. On the basis of an analysis of the contents of the Catalog relative to automated functions for dietetic departments, charge capturing and diet change notification were the functions used most frequently in hospitals.Although a stores inventory was not included as a component offered by any of the responding vendors, 23 of the hospital systems described in the catalog included a stores inventory component. Menu planning and meal scheduling were functions which were both available from vendors and utilized in hospitals.

This offers a unique employment opportunity with a sense of reward and accomplishment each day. We strive to create a knowledgeable and culturally sensitive staff with relevant experience in health and human services. Our success has enabled us to grow into a diverse staff of over 400 employees located in six states; each project’s (i.e., eight statewide contracts) staff is designed to fit their program’s specialty and meet the needs of our consumers.
The combined expertise of AHS’ professionals’ help meet the needs of all three interdependent components of our successful health program: (1) the families who utilize the service, (2) the health and human service professionals who deliver care, and (3) the funding source which underwrites the program’s costs.