'Perspectives In Health Information Management' Goes International

Special edition of AHIMA’s online research journal features examples of HIM practice from around the world

Expert authors provide a global perspective to the latest developments in healthcare delivery and the opportunities and challenges they provide health information management (HIM) professionals in a special international issue of Perspectives in Health Information Management, the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) online research journal.

“An evolving healthcare system is not unique to the United States,” said AHIMA CEO Lynne Thomas Gordon, MBA, RHIA, CAE, FACHE, FAHIMA. “HIM professionals in the U.S. have the opportunity to read how their global colleagues are meeting challenges to achieve the universal goals of improved patient outcomes at reduced cost.”

This international issue features the following articles:

• The article, “Accurate Patient Identification -- A Global Challenge,” provides an overview of some specific patient identification strategies, along with their challenges and considerations, focusing on approaches in the U.S., Singapore, Canada, Australia and Wales. The authors found that these three observations can be applied to all countries as they embark on healthcare transformation activities: governance comes first; existing identifiers likely have inherent limitations or data quality issues; do not forget about the clinicians and the consumers.
• Although Nigeria has made great improvements in childhood immunizations, it still needs to increase immunizations across all geopolitical zones. In the article, “The Rainbow (Rapid Access Immunization Now: Better Our World) Record: An Immunization Tool for Nigerian Families,” the researchers explain the potential of implementing the RAINBOW Record, “a colorful, useable, inexpensive, primarily paper-based record that rewards children with stickers and fun approaches when immunizations are completed. It also incorporates health information technology practices that can be used if the immunization record (built in Excel) is linked to an EHR.”
• In March 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, causing destruction of homes, large-scale fires, a tsunami that reached as high as 131 feet and demolition of nuclear power plants on the northeastern coast of Japan. The article, “Post Earthquake Health Information Management in Japan -- the Challenges,” examines, “the response of the Japan Hospital Association (JHA) and the Japan Society of Health Information Management (JHIM), the results of their efforts, the invaluable lessons learned from the disaster and recommendations arising from discussions during symposia held at JHIM’s 38th and 39th annual meetings.”
• Technology is playing an important role in the way healthcare is delivered and monitored in Rajasthan, India. The study, “Impact of Technology on Primary Healthcare Information Management: A Case of North India,” finds that, “with the introduction of automated systems, several issues related to the capturing of information were resolved to some extent. The healthcare workers mostly appreciated the standard modules and templates that were developed. All the information is available at the back end and can be retrieved at any time.”
• The article, “Health Information Management Workforce Transformation: New Roles, New Skills and Experiences in Canada,” highlights the “transformation of the HIM profession in Canada to meet the needs of EHR implementation and the demands of an increasingly digital workplace.”
• What is the current state of HIM in Australia and what will be the key strategic initiatives for the Health Information Management Association of Australia? Take a trip Down Under to discover more in, “Addressing Challenges to the Health Information Management Profession: An Australian Perspective.”

About Perspectives
Perspectives in Health Information Management is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal, referred to by professors, professionals, public officials, industry leaders, and policy-makers. Since 2004, it has been one of the most credible and respected journals of the HIM industry and is referenced in notable indices such as PubMed Central (PMC), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and Google Scholar. For more information, visit http://perspectives.ahima.org/style-and-submission-guidelines/#.VVnByblVhHw.

About AHIMA
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) represents more than 101,000 health information professionals in the United States and around the world. AHIMA is committed to promoting and advocating for high quality research, best practices and effective standards in health information and to actively contributing to the development and advancement of health information professionals worldwide. AHIMA’s enduring goal is quality healthcare through quality information. For more information, visit www.ahima.org