28 Sep A database is an electronic filing system: a collection of data organized for use and retrieval.

HIM4620 Data Management in Health Information Systems

Unit 6 Discussion

DQ1 Database Design

A database is an electronic filing system: a collection of data organized for use and retrieval. Database design is the process of creating a model of the database. The model can include several attributes and entities, such as users, logic, physical storage locations, relationships, and other parameters.

Write a post in which you explain at least three ways that database design and data architecture can work together to improve patient satisfaction, lower care costs, or improve patient outcomes. Then identify at least two areas of uncertainty or unanswered questions that you have about database design and data architecture.

DQ2 Architecture and Governance

Vila Health was in the process of converting patient demographic information from an old system to a new system. After checking the system, the managers believed that all requirements were met to retrieve accurate information.

In the days following the launch, a registration clerk attempted to retrieve a patient’s information but could not retrieve correct patient medical record numbers. The new system was immediately shut down and technical personnel had to revert to the old system until the problem was identified. A major concern was that the new system might corrupt other downstream systems that relied on patient demographic information.

It was discovered that the new system allocated seven characters for the medical record number when the actual medical record number was 10 characters long. The architecture model and functional requirements, such as defined field type and length, were not met.

Describe your recommendations for governance standards that might be applied in this case. How would you assure that this kind of problem would not recur?