Electronic Health Reporter

Health information technology, or Health IT, is a specific type of health technology that works as a way to intertwine these two concepts. It includes the process, exchange, and storage of health information while using computerized systems. The general use of health information technology strategies can help prevent medical mistakes, improve overall healthcare, and increase administrative efficiency. 

Some other benefits of this industry include reducing overall healthcare costs, giving access to affordable healthcare for all, and providing better patient outcomes. This field is constantly growing, so if you’re interested in a job in an industry like this, then here are some signs that you would do well in a health IT career.

You’re a Fast Learner

As it’s a relatively new field, the scope of the health IT industry is constantly changing. There are a myriad of organizations whose principal purpose is to use different resources to employ health IT across the world. For that reason alone, this is a career where changes occur frequently, which means that you have to get used to these constant shifts.

That’s not the only reason that you need to be a fast learner, though. Added to these changes is the fact that technology and health are also constantly advancing, as well. Because of this, you will find yourself in a career where there will always be changes – either on the side of health or technology, or both.

You Understand Medical Terminology

Health IT careers can be challenging, as you need to be able to understand how to use more advanced computerized systems. You need more than just a basic knowledge of computers, but in today’s world, that isn’t too hard to achieve. But that’s not all. You also need to be able to understand complex medical terminology. For example, there is a part of health IT called electronic prescribing. 

Also called e-prescribing, this is when healthcare providers enter prescription information into a computing device, such as a laptop or a tablet. Then, the pharmacy receives the prescription using special software. It sounds easy, but for example, if a patient is receiving hydroxyzine for anxiety, you need to know what hydroxyzine is and if someone with anxiety can take it safely.

You Prefer to Work in Groups

While you are in a health information technology career, then your social skills will be crucial. Since you will probably be working on group projects with your peers, you need good communication skills and the willingness to cooperate with others to carry out your work. Not only that, but you may also have to converse with physicians to enforce solutions into your work.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should stop pursuing your goal of having a health IT career if you prefer working alone or if you’re an introvert. You can always find ways to balance it out and see how it goes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that clear and accurate communication is highly valued in this career.

You Have a Creative Mind

Being creative isn’t just for art careers. Even if it seems hard to believe, this is a fairly valued quality in health IT. In this industry, you need to think about different ways to implement knowledge in what you’re doing. It’s not only looking for solutions, but also looking for ways to improve existing ones. You have to think out of the box and about new ways to deliver information through technology, like mobile apps.

You Aren’t Afraid of Change

If you are flexible or consider yourself someone who isn’t afraid of changes, then a health IT career can be the right career for you. You need to be able to adapt, to change, to adjust. Being flexible is a characteristic paired with the fast ability to learn. For instance, sometimes a project you would be working on will change, and you will have to handle the modifications and adapt to them while you implement them. 

Since switching your priorities while working on a project isn’t easy, being flexible is highly valued in health information technology. If you think you have the qualities mentioned, then it’s likely that this career path is the right one for you. This is especially true if you have an interest in healthcare, as health IT includes anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology knowledge – the same subjects you’d take in med school.

No doubt, health information technology is an incredible way to be better connected with medicine and help patients while still using technology. Furthermore, the Health IT field expects to implement more and more strategies related to health information technology in the next few years – allowing you, and your colleagues, to discover many more ways to help patients through these strategies!