Kapil Mehrotra, Head, Information Technology, Artemis Hospitals, in a conversation with eHealth, says IT has become a backbone in all industries and healthcare is no different
Head,
Information Technology,
Artemis Hospitals,
In what way has IT affected global healthcare delivery and comparatively, how has India benefited from this?
Modernization in Information Technology has changed healthcare reach. For example, big data analysis has improved patient management system and early diagnosis. Telemedicine and EICU have made it possible for patients in remote locations to have access to high quality healthcare services and professional doctors. Cloud based patient monitoring application with mobile apps are a great innovation.
Has data integration improved the clinicians user experience?
Yes it has. For example, various modalities integration with HIS, PACS and E-Reports have helped us reduce long waiting time in diagnostic area. It gives great experience and commitment to the each patient for high standard facilities. There is also seamless data integration between HIS and SAP which is used to run smother operation of Pharmacy and Finance.
How has the IT helped to channelize the flow of information between the hospital, doctors and patients?
IT has enabled this flow and availability by using various Technologies and platforms. Accessing EMR information on iPAD in OT is classic example of that and the attendant can track to the patient through dashboard outside the OT. Where exactly patient is? Is patient procedure is completed? Etc.
Please elaborate on some of the obstacles faced in adopting IT in Indian hospitals?
In todays world, IT is the backbone of any services as it is driven by the few key aspects, i.e, ease of use and cost effectiveness. I dont think there any challenges in terms of adoption. Artemis always welcomes new technology and is always a step ahead to adopt it.
What is your assessment and strategy towards cloud – private and public?
We are already on cloud and have been using the same from more than two years. It is really required to save the cost, storage and infrastructure of the hospital. I have recently finalized a cloud project which will go live in a months time.
What are some of the unique IT initiatives you have adopted at Artemis?
As a Healthcare provider, we use IT as an information enabler and accordingly build the strategic road map of the IT initiatives. All initiatives speeded in four quarters. As examples, in this quarter we are focusing on EICU, Tele medicines, PACS migration, Asset management and Cloud. Similarly follow up quarters will be managed.
What are the challenges that come in the way of IT gover- nance in the hospital?
IT governance in the hospital is very much required. There are numbers of challenges, i.e. adoption of the EMR/ HER, frequent change request, security, lack of access matrix, etc. In my opinion we can address and overcome such challenges if we form a joint committee and give transparent opinion to them on monthly basis. That way we can have better control and man agement to address the issues right in time.
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