Quality Improvement Methods in Healthcare: Population Health
The physical and mental health outcomes and well-being of citizens within a particular regional or national population are referred to as population health. Wasserman et al. (2019) interpret population health as the overall health results of a group of individuals in a specific community and the distribution of such outcomes within the group. Thus, population health management programs strive to optimize population health over individual life cycles.
The evolving technology significantly affects the way the healthcare industry evolves. Wasserman et al. (2019) argue that people are living longer lives, and the expenses incurred as a result of proactive, coordinated efforts to prevent and control noncommunicable illnesses have the possibility to bankrupt healthcare systems and impact other sectors of the economy. With these variables as a backdrop, various trends in healthcare have emerged, along with a movement toward addressing upstream issues, prevention, and disease self-management (Wasserman et al., 2019).
The transition in care models from specialized to primary care has necessitated the creation of support systems, including the use of technology to provide remote care (Wasserman et al., 2019). Kruse et al. (2018) state that Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) is transforming the healthcare industry and has already begun to cut waste and enhance population health outcomes. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are a critical component of HIT and have developed as a practical application of health information technology to improve healthcare effectiveness and quality. They also help reduce health inequities in population health.
Consequently, EHRs are digital versions of patient records that contain information about the patient, such as personal contact details, medical history, contraindications, test results, and treatment plans. Kruse et al. (2018) claim that some of the advantages of EHRs involve increased efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and better population health. Moreover, EHRs’ capacity to organize and analyze massive amounts of patient data has the potential to improve population health.
Despite the tremendous benefits of using EHRs, there are particular ethical concerns. Research has not reliably proven access for disadvantaged individuals, the validity of EHRs, their positive benefits on performance, or cost savings (Layman, 2020). Kruse et al. (2018) emphasize that lack of interoperability, inaccuracies in medical information, and the financial resources necessary to support HIT are just a few of the issues. For instance, medical mistakes may still occur despite the increased information obtained via EHR. The thousands of patients’ health data disclosure due to errors or theft compromises trust (Layman, 2020).
Patient satisfaction may suffer from the EHR due to a lack of attention displayed by a physician while making observations in the system (Kruse et al., 2018). Layman (2020) acknowledges that patients’ autonomy is compromised when their health data is shared or connected without their knowledge. Additionally, individuals unsure about the confidentiality of their health data may conceal crucial information, compromising their treatment.
When patients refuse to provide complete information, the population’s health may suffer. Layman (2020) claims that individuals may conceal their medical history because they are distressed about the privacy and security of their EHRs. They may elect to suppress some sensitive facts that they feel may result in prejudice, discrimination, or stigma if released. Several instances have failed to maintain the confidentiality of health data (Layman, 2020).
When security measures are poor, health data is exposed. Hence, medical confidentiality must be guaranteed even when person-related data is used for secondary purposes. Health professionals, legislators, and ethicists should continue investigating EHRs and their implications (Layman, 2020). To effectively employ this technology for the benefit of patients and clients, continuous discussions and safety and confidentiality measures improvements are essential.
References
Kruse, C. S., Stein, A., Thomas, H., & Kaur, H. (2018). The use of electronic health records to support population health: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Medical Systems, 42(11). Web.
Layman, E. J. (2020). Ethical issues and the electronic health record. The Health Care Manager, 39(4), 150–161. Web.
Wasserman, J., Palmer, R. C., Gomez, M. M., Berzon, R., Ibrahim, S. A., & Ayanian, J. Z. (2019). Advancing health services research to eliminate health care disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1), S64-S69. Web.