1. Computers in the Ambulatory Care Setting
Chapter 11

2. The Computer System BASIC SYSTEM: Input Device: keyboard, mouse
CPU: brain of the system
Software: required by computer to accomplish tasks
Output Device: monitor, printer, fax

3. Types of Computer Systems
Supercomputers: fastest, most powerful and most expensive.
Mainframe: next largest in size and processing ability, used for large volumes of repetitive calculations.
Minicomputers: handle large amount of processing
Microcomputers:
Most widely used, Personal computer (PC)

4. Components of a Computer System
Data Storage Devices:
Read-only Memory (ROM): permanently writes data or instructions into the memory
Random access memory (RAM): erases or “lost” when the computer is turned off (temporary storage data).

5. Components of a Computer System
Data Storage Devices
Hard Drive: non-portable storage device
Floppy drives:
portable memory storage device
Zip drives and Jaz drives
Hold 100 and 2,000 megabytes of data
Optical disks
Servers

6. Components of a Computer System
Networking: electronic connection of one or more computers, printers, software, and databases for the purpose of sharing information and resources.
LAN – local area network; most likely found in ambulatory care setting.
WAN – wide area network; usually found in a hospital-type clinic with many computers and sites.

7. Software Applications
Frequently referred to as a computer program, can be thought of as a set of instructions to follow or data to process.
System software: operating system that tells the computer hardware what to do and when to do it.
Application software: performs a specific data-processing function (word processing, accounting, etc).

8. Security Systems
Must protect against two threats: 1. virus and worms and 2. unauthorized access to the computer.
HIPAA requires:
Virus detection and elimination software
Unusual activity must be reported
Intrusion detection tools should be installed
Firewalls suggested to limit type of files that can be transmitted.

9. Ergonomics
Defined: scientific study of work and space; influences worker productivity that affects workers’ health.
Concerns with computers:
Eyestrain (antiglare screen)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Posture

10. Common Software Word Processing is used for:
Reports, medical transcription, memos, business letters, and articles.
Benefits of Word Processing:
Allows quick production of a document
Corrections can be made easily
Material can be cut, copied or pasted from other frequently used documents.
Much faster than typing.

11. Structuring or Defining a Database
Databases are needed to maintain general patient identifying information in fields such as:
Patient name
Patient address
Work phone
Home phone
Patient insurance

12. Structuring/Defining a Database Cont’d
Other fields might be included:
Sex
Social Security number
Date of birth (DOB)
Occupation
Place of employment

13. HIPAA Standards for Patient Health Information
Preparation and implementation of written confidentiality protocols and procedures.
Staff training and implementation of all protocols.
Identification and authentication protocols for all personnel.
Access control of computer output, modification, or destruction of files.
Security of transmitted data
Control of discarded records, storage media, and computer hardware.

14. Professionalism
Areas of professionalism directly related to the medical office may include:
Working as a member of the health care team; actively involved.
Adapt to change.
Work ethic and use of computer.
Enhance skills through education.