Name: MICHELLIN VAN F.

MUGOT
Section: BSN 3B

1. How important is data/information in the field of healthcare?

Data and information have a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Informed
decisions regarding patient care, disease prevention, and treatment rely heavily on
accurate and timely data. Particularly, patient data such as medical history, test results,
imaging studies, and clinical information are vital for healthcare professionals in making
precise diagnoses and providing appropriate treatment.

Apart from patient care, data and information are also vital for disease prevention.
Public health officials rely on data to track the spread of diseases and identify risk factors
for specific populations. This information helps in creating effective prevention and control
strategies to limit the spread of disease and minimize its impact on public health. By
analyzing data, public health officials can predict where disease outbreaks are likely to
occur and implement measures to prevent their spread.

Moreover, research in the healthcare field relies heavily on data and information.
Researchers analyze patient data to identify patterns and trends that lead to new
discoveries and insights in the medical field. The data is used to develop new treatments
and therapies and improve existing treatments. The research also aims to advance
medical knowledge to provide better healthcare for patients.

Finally, data and information play an essential role in healthcare management.

Healthcare managers and administrators use data to monitor and improve the quality of
care provided to patients. By tracking patient satisfaction, readmission rates, and length
of hospital stays, healthcare providers identify areas for improvement and implement
changes to improve patient outcomes. Such improvements lead to better patient
experiences, shorter hospital stays, and reduced healthcare costs.

In conclusion, data and information are essential to the healthcare industry,

improving patient care, disease prevention, research, and healthcare management. As
technology continues to advance, the role of data and information in healthcare will
become increasingly significant. The use of data and information to improve healthcare
services is an ongoing process, and the benefits are numerous and far-reaching.
Healthcare professionals must continue to prioritize data collection and analysis to provide
better healthcare for patients.
 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having electronic database vs.
non-electronic/paper-based database?

Electronic Database (Advantages)

Both electronic and paper-based databases have their own benefits and
drawbacks. Electronic databases offer several advantages, such as being easily
accessible from various locations, having simple search functionality, and requiring less
physical storage space. Electronic databases allow users to quickly and efficiently search
and sort through information, saving time and improving productivity. Furthermore, these
databases offer better security than paper-based systems, as users can encrypt and
password-protect their data.
Another advantage of electronic databases is their ability to facilitate collaboration
and sharing among users. Electronic databases allow multiple users to access and edit
the same information simultaneously, making it easier for teams to collaborate and share
information across different locations. This can be especially beneficial for organizations
with remote workers or multiple branches. Additionally, electronic databases can be easily
backed up, allowing for quick recovery of data in case of system failure or data loss.
Moreover, electronic databases can be customized to meet the specific needs of
an organization. Different software programs allow users to tailor their databases
according to their preferences, such as adding specific fields or features that are relevant
to their business operations. Electronic databases can also be integrated with other
software programs to improve efficiency and streamline workflows. For instance, a
medical practice can integrate their electronic health records with their billing system,
allowing for smoother and more efficient billing processes.

Electronic Database (Disadvantages)

Despite these advantages, electronic databases can be expensive to establish and

maintain, are prone to technical issues, and are reliant on technology. An important
drawback of electronic databases is their vulnerability to cyber-attacks and data breaches,
which can lead to severe consequences such as legal and financial liabilities for the
organization. These databases also need a secure and reliable internet connection, which
can be a significant cost. Technical problems such as hardware failures, software bugs,
and system crashes can also cause serious issues for electronic databases, resulting in
data loss, system downtime, and expensive repairs.
Another disadvantage of electronic databases is the requirement for specialized
technical skills and training. These databases need technical expertise to set up, maintain,
and troubleshoot, which can be a challenge for organizations with limited resources or
non-technical staff. Training is also necessary for users who are unfamiliar with the
software, which can be time-consuming and costly. Moreover, electronic databases may
require expensive software upgrades or hardware updates, which can add to the overall
cost of the system.
Non-electronic/Paper-based Database (Advantages)
Paper-based databases offer several advantages compared to electronic
databases. Firstly, many people are more familiar with traditional paper-based systems,
which can make it easier for them to navigate and use. As a result, staff may require less
training on how to use paper-based systems, which can be time-saving and cost-
effective.
Secondly, paper-based systems require little to no technical expertise or
equipment, making them more accessible to smaller businesses or organizations that
may not have the resources to invest in electronic systems. This can be beneficial for
organizations with limited budgets, or those that do not require complex data
management.
Lastly, paper-based databases provide a level of privacy that electronic
databases cannot match. This is because paper-based systems cannot be hacked or
accessed remotely, which eliminates the risk of data breaches. Organizations can keep
their data secure by implementing physical security measures, such as locking cabinets
or safes. This can be particularly important for organizations that handle sensitive or
confidential information.

Non-electronic/Paper-based Database (Disadvantages)

While paper-based databases have some advantages, they also have several
significant disadvantages. One major drawback is their limited accessibility. Unlike
electronic databases that can be accessed from multiple locations, paper-based
databases can only be accessed in one physical location, making them less convenient
and efficient. This can be particularly challenging for organizations with multiple locations
or remote workers.
Another disadvantage of paper-based databases is their poor searchability.
Paper-based information can be difficult to organize, leading to wasted time and
decreased efficiency when searching for specific information. Additionally, paper-based
databases can be challenging to sort, which can further hinder the search process.
Finally, paper-based databases can take up a significant amount of physical
space, which can be costly and challenging to manage. Without proper organization,
paper-based information can be at risk of damage or loss, leading to potentially
devastating consequences for the organization. Furthermore, paper-based databases
require a secure storage area, which can add to the organization's overhead costs.

3. How does applications or information systems impact healthcare?

Healthcare has undergone significant transformation as a result of the

introduction of applications and information systems. These systems have brought about
improvements in patient care, efficiency, and cost reduction. For example, telehealth
technologies have made it possible for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat
patients remotely, which is especially useful for individuals living in remote or
underserved areas.

Wearable medical devices that collect patient data, including heart rate, blood
pressure, and sleep patterns, have also been integrated into healthcare systems. These
devices aid doctors in monitoring patients' health more closely and detecting health
issues early on. The adoption of electronic prescribing systems has also revolutionized
healthcare. By allowing doctors to prescribe medications electronically, the risk of errors
is significantly reduced, and managing patients' medications is made more efficient.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies

is another area where healthcare has experienced transformation. The analysis of large
amounts of data by these technologies has made it possible to identify patterns and
predict outcomes, which has improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Patient engagement applications, such as patient portals and mobile health

apps, are also increasingly being utilized to assist patients in managing their healthcare.
These tools enable patients to keep track of their medications, appointments, and
symptoms, as well as communicate with their healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the introduction of applications and information systems has had

a substantial impact on healthcare. The integration of telehealth technologies, wearable
medical devices, electronic prescribing systems, AI, machine learning, and patient
engagement applications has made healthcare more accessible and efficient for both
patients and healthcare providers, resulting in improvements in patient care, efficiency,
and cost reduction.

4. In CMU’s Information Systems (Enrollment System, Faculty Evaluation System,

& Student’s Information System), what data or information have you observed
that has been “Collected once, used many times”?

In the realm of CMU’s information systems, data and information are often
collected and used in various ways to streamline tasks and reduce the possibility of
errors. Collecting information only once saves time and reduces the need for repetitive
data entry. This can lead to greater efficiency and more accurate records.
One example of this is the collection of personal and academic data of students.
The information is stored in a system and used for various tasks such as attendance
tracking, grading, and student record-keeping. This system can reduce the need for
manual data entry, which can lead to inaccuracies and time-consuming mistakes.
Similarly, the personal and academic data of faculty members are collected only
once and used in multiple ways such as payroll and course assignments. The system
ensures that information is accurate and up-to-date, which can lead to more efficient
task management and a more productive faculty.
 Course information is also collected once, including course codes, descriptions,
and schedules. This information is used in various ways such as student registration and
academic planning. It reduces the possibility of errors in course assignments and
scheduling, which can help to avoid complications in the school system.
The process of collecting data only once is particularly important for enrollment
records, which are collected at the start of each academic year. This data is used for
multiple purposes such as grade reporting, attendance tracking, and student record-
keeping. By collecting this information only once, there is less likelihood of errors in
these important records, which can have long-lasting consequences for both students
and faculty.
In conclusion, the system of collecting information only once and using it for
multiple purposes can lead to a more efficient and accurate management of school
information systems. It can reduce the need for manual data entry, which can save time
and reduce errors. This approach can improve both the accuracy and efficiency of the
system, leading to a more productive faculty and a more successful student body.

5. How do you prefer storing the medical records of your patients? electronically or
paper-based?

I strongly prefer electronic storage for medical records as it has several

advantages over paper-based storage. Electronic records are easily accessible and can
be retrieved quickly, which is especially important in emergency situations. Additionally,
they are simpler to manage and keep organized, reducing the chances of losing or
misplacing files. Electronic records are also more secure as they can be protected with
passwords and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.

Electronic storage also allows for seamless sharing of medical records between
healthcare providers, which is particularly helpful when patients see multiple providers
or move to a new location. By having immediate access to a patient's medical history,
healthcare providers can make informed decisions about their care.

Finally, electronic storage is a more environmentally friendly option than paper-

based storage, as it significantly reduces the need for paper and other resources.

Considering the benefits of electronic storage, such as ease of access,

enhanced organization, and superior security, I strongly believe that electronic storage
is the better choice for storing medical records.