IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT: IMPACTS ON EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF CARE

Abstract

The implementation of information technologies (IT) in hospital management has proven fundamental to improving the efficiency and quality of care provided to patients. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of this implementation on these two important aspects of hospital management. The bibliographic review was carried out based on scientific articles and relevant reviews in the areas of hospital management, health information technology and quality of care. The results obtained revealed that the adoption of hospital information systems promotes a series of benefits, including improving operational efficiency, reducing errors, optimizing workflows and increasing patient safety. Electronic health record (EHR) systems are particularly noted for their ability to quickly and accurately store, retrieve, and share health information among healthcare professionals, resulting in more integrated and coordinated care. Furthermore, it was observed that information technologies are essential for promoting quality of care, providing clinical decision support, facilitating the collection and analysis of clinical data, and allowing the implementation of evidence-based protocols. This contributes to reducing adverse events, improving compliance with recommended clinical practices and promoting safer and more effective care. The discussions pointed out that, although information technologies offer numerous benefits, their implementation can face significant challenges, such as high costs, resistance to change on the part of health professionals and issues related to system interoperability. Therefore, effective change management strategies and adequate investments in infrastructure and capacity building are essential to ensure successful implementation. In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of information technologies in hospital management, emphasizing their positive impacts on operational efficiency and quality of care. Successful implementation of these technologies requires an ongoing commitment to systems development and improvement, as well as a patient-centered approach and continuous improvement of care processes.