How has the HIMSS promoted IT in health care?

Written by Ronny Bachrach on April 9, 2015. Posted in Digital Radiography and PACS, Hardware, Software

Technology plays an important role in the health care system today, from medical imaging equipment to EHR software. While its usage is not always easy, health IT is important for cost-efficient patient care. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society strives to educate health care professionals about how technology can help them perform their jobs better through various programs, including their upcoming annual conference.

HIMSS: A history
Originally founded as the Hospital Management Systems Society, the global, not-for-profit organization focuses on improving health through technology. Edward J. Gerner, Jr., and Harold E. Smalley started the organization in 1961 on the belief that an exchange of health information between professionals influenced the way hospitals ran and improved the health care system, HIMSS explained in a report. The organization conducted research and experimented with new methods of providing patients with affordable and exceptional care.

Today, the society holds true to the same ideals, with a few added fields of interest. In 1986, with the use of technology becoming widespread, the HMSS changed its name to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society to include IT and telecommunications. It expanded its reach to include those professionals who did not have an organization to turn to and after various meetings and advisory committees, the HIMSS opened up membership to IT specialists.

Promoting health IT through education
Throughout its 54 years, the HIMSS has served as a resource for health care professionals in all areas of interest and, as such, has provided various opportunities for them to learn about popular and important trends in the industry. The ongoing annual conference has been around since the organization's inception, with the first one in 1962, and it offers attendees the opportunity to network with others in their field and find out what their peers are doing to improve health care. The HIMSS' Institute for e-Health Policy and Dorenfest Institute also aid in educating professionals about medical technology by providing research and leadership opportunities.

The organization has also established the HIMSS Foundation, which offers a variety of programs for current and aspiring medical professionals. Scholarship programs award student members for their dedication and contributions to the health care information and management industry. Since the early 1990s, the organization has distributed more than $150,000 to more than 45 students, according to the foundation's website. The HIMSS also provides assistance to disaster relief programs, such as donating EHR software and hardware, supplies and technology to those areas.

Through its belief of the importance of technology in health care, HIMSS has promoted its goals through educational opportunities, from conferences to research institutes. The not-for-profit organization believes the implementation and compatibility of technology is the way to create an efficient flow of information between professionals.

Ronny Bachrach

Ronny Bachrach

Marketing Director at Viztek LLC
Responsible for all marketing activities including, press, advertising, trade show coordination, website management, dealer and customer communications.
Ronny Bachrach
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