Electronic Health Records - Week 3

cloud storage

refers to virtual servers where data and the EHR system are backed up

functionality

the ability to create and manage EHRs for all patients in a healthcare facility

hibernation mode

a privacy feature in an EHR system that prevents disclosure of PHI

information processing cycle

the sequence of events that provide the building blocks for the EHR system, including four components: input, processing, output, and storage

input

the first component of the information processing cycle; data entered by the user of the EHR system (e.g., the patient’s first name, last name, identification number, and test results)

input device

a device used to enter data into an EHR system; includes keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, camera, stylus, and touchscreen

interoperability

the ability of an EHR system to exchange data with other sources of health information, including pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare providers

local area network (LAN)

a group of computers connected through a network confined to a single area or small geographic area such as a building or hospital campus

output

the third component of the information processing cycle'; data produced that provides meaningful information for the user

output device

a device that displays the results from EHR; includes computer monitor, digital device screen, and printer

processing

the second component of the information processing cycle; takes data and makes the information usable within the system

protected health information (PHI)

all individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic, paper, or oral

security

the standard that prevents data loss and ensures that patient health information is private

storage

the fourth component of the information processing cycle; patient information is stored so that it can be retrieved, added to, or modified for later use

storage devices

a place where data for the EHR may be stored, such as on a dedicated server at the healthcare facility or on a server provided by a vendor; if an EHR system is networked, then the storage may exist on the healthcare system’s server

wide area network (WAN)

a network that covers a broader area than LAN, spanning regions, countries, or the world

workstation

a computer paired with input and output devices