The Impact of Health Information Technology on Patient Safety.

IntroductionSince the original Institute of Medicine (IOM) report was published there has been an accelerated development and adoption of health information technology with varying degrees of evidence about the impact of health information technology on patient safety. We conclude that health information technology improves patients safety by reducing medication errors, reducing adverse drug reactions, and improving compliance to practice guidelines. There should be no doubt that health information technology is an important tool for improving healthcare quality and safety. MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted among some health care professionals at St. Gregory Catholic Hospital, Gomoa Buduburam. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on informed consent, confidentiality and medico legal issues. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20. ResultsA total of 70 health care workers were enrolled on the study representing 70% response rate. The study revealed about 98% knows that Health Information Technology (HIT) is important in delivering care to patients; and 86% of the respondents indicated that HIT has reduced medical errors. About 82% of the responded that HIT has made health care delivery easier and faster and hence reducing awaiting time. About 90% of the responded that HIT has helped in transferring medical records of patient from one facility to the other in case of emergency. ConclusionImpact of Health Information Technology on patient safety and their perception are positive. However, regular training on the update and use of Health Information Technology will be necessary in order to ensure continuous improvement of the quality of health care delivery.