AlHada Hospital - DecisionMaking MIS Topic 5
AlHada Hospital - DecisionMaking MIS Topic 5
AlHada Hospital - DecisionMaking MIS Topic 5
Abstract
Decision-making processes become the heart of the management challenge and are the
way to achieve the objectives of the organization during different stages such as planning,
organizing, directing and monitoring throughout the entire structure of the organization. Health
care is considered by many as one of the most important issues for humanity, both in terms of
societal and life goals. The relationship between information technology and health care is a
mutual relationship. The health care sector needs accurate information and accurate information
cannot be achieved unless we have good health in our brains. In this article, the author seeks to
help both administration and medical managers by explaining the impact of health Information
system on decision making process as well as illustrating the importance of the information
system in taking these of decisions.
Keywords: Management Information System, Health Information Systems, Hospital, Decision
Support Systems, Retrieval of health information, Electronic Health Record.
1. Introduction
The information flow process is insignificant for healthcare institution's activity. Medical
decisions are facing many challenges and difficulties due to the volume of information and
knowledge that should the doctors and decision makers in hospitals and health care centers to
deal with on an ongoing basis [25]. Information about hospitals and health care centers has
grown and expanded to the point where it has become difficult to handle in traditional ways,
using supporting tools became necessary to raise the destiny analytical and predictive needed
in the decision-making processes, thereby raising the efficiency and effectiveness of collection,
storage, sorting and retrieval information. Raising the analytical capabilities needed to evaluate
and process information and various alternatives helps to save time and effort required for the
decision-makers [25].
Health care is considered by many as one of the most important issues for humanity, both
in terms of societal and life goals. The relationship between information technology and health
care is a mutual relationship. The health care sector needs accurate information and accurate
information cannot be achieved unless we have good health in our brains, body and psychology
[1]. Management information systems give managers quick access to information. This may
include interaction with other decision support systems, information inquiries, cross-
referencing of external information and potential data mining techniques. These systems can
also compare strategic goals with practical decisions, giving managers a sense of how their
decisions fit organizational strategy [19]. Therefore, the process of decision-making in any
business is an inherently vital aspect not just for organizations but also for individuals who
greatly rely on these decisions for their survival in the highly competitive arena of
entrepreneurship [7].
-61-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
In addition, most MIS programs are endowed with the capacity to give real-time updates
of the occurrences in company or system. By real-time, scholars simply refer to immediate
updates of occurrences in a system. These immediate updates help managers to take necessary
actions as soon as is deemed appropriate especially during the discovery and management of
crises. This augments progress and improvement in company operations through timely
decision-making. This is important for companies in the modern-day generation where any
slight lapse in decision making can lead to a huge loss [4].
Decision-making processes become the heart of the management challenge and are the
way to achieve the objectives of the organization during different stages such as planning,
organizing, directing and monitoring throughout the entire structure of the organization. The 21
century, considered as the knowledge age has shown that the effective management of
information influences all aspects of life and is considered as the main source for assisting in
decision-making processes which are complex. Information availability at a suitable time can
reduce this complexity. Information system can be considered as a strategic tool which
increases the productivity and effectiveness of organizations and can be used to enhance the
competitiveness of organizations [1].
This study seeks to help both administration and medical managers by explaining the
impact of health information system on decision making process. The decision-making in
hospitals is mainly important in view of the position of those decisions and their impact on
patients' lives and health [10]. Therefore, the researchers are trying to figure out the problem of
the study based on the empirical evidence to prove that and make sure it is noticeable in the
most of our hospital there are many of the important decisions has been taken without being
dependent on an efficient information system to reach an efficient decision. So that, the
researchers are trying to find out the cause of this phenomena and shed a light of the matter and
the importance the information system in taking these of decisions. The decision-making
process in hospitals and health care centers as an essential part to play in our social and
economic and growth. The health information system can be one of the great importance of
supporting decision making. Hence, the importance of current study stems from the following
points:
This study addresses a newly approach in information system and medical field both in
theoretically and in practically.
Despite the importance of the subject of health information system and its role in decision
making, however, there is a shortage in the number of research and studies that address
this topic.
The fact that the success and efficiency of the decision-making process depend on to a
large extent on the degree of availability of information and the existence of an efficient
system of information has become the basic requirements for survival, not just as a means
to improve performance.
The study has practical importance through the outcome of the results that can benefit the
officials and decision-makers in health facilities, which could lead to the activation of
different health information systems and applications.
It is hoped that this study leads to increased awareness among workers in the health
institutions and motivate them to serve the hospitals and health care.
-62-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
2. Related Works
This article provides a review of relevant literature in the field of health information
system it consists of many parts and some related previous studies have been done in the field
to see what has been achieved so far. The study done by Haux discuss: which were lines of
development in health information systems from the past until today? What will be
consequences for health information systems in the future? The study depends on theoretical
frameworks and reaches Conclusions that: Health information systems have to be developed
and explored that enhance opportunities for global access to health services and medical
knowledge. Informatics methodology and technology is expected to facilitate continuous
quality of care in aging societies. Ubiquitously available computing resources and networks,
existing worldwide for the transmission of all varieties of data, will allow us to consider new
types of information systems for health care, including new kinds of health monitoring and also
new opportunities for the analysis of biomedical and health data. These trans-institutional
information system architectures and infrastructures will, when appropriate designed and
adequately strategically managed, provide new opportunities for the whole field of biomedical
and health informatics as well as of biomedical statistics and epidemiology [11].
Al-Marri has conducted a field study entitled "The role of modern technology in raising
the efficiency of the performance of employees in the public administration of medical services
of the armed forces, Saudi Arabia." This study aimed to identify the role of modern technology
in raising the efficiency of the performance of employees in the public administration of
medical services. Follow-Marri in his study descriptive and analytical approach through a
comprehensive inventory of the community study, based on a questionnaire as a tool to collect
data, and constitute the study population consisted of officers and personnel of the General
Directorate of Medical Services in Riyadh's area (1200) people. Marri connected to the results
of the most important: modern technology available in the General Directorate of Medical
Services Armed Forces moderately, though modern techniques used by workers in the public
administration of medical services of the armed forces in the completion of their tasks are: the
use of computers in the termination of transactions and recorded, and worked hard copies the
task of transactions through the normal and color printers, and the very strong positive
implications of the use of the General Directorate of Medical Services armed forces of modern
technology on the performance of its employees are Facilitate the work procedures within the
Directorate General of Medical Services, and the completion of a lot of transactions per day,
and the accuracy in the completion of the transactions, although important obstacles that prevent
the use of the General Directorate of Medical Services Armed Forces of modern technology
with a high degree are: lack of training courses in the use of modern technologies, and the
unavailability action plan contribute to emphasize the importance of modern technology, and
lack of suitable training courses to enable the use of modern technologies. The study
recommended providing workers in the public administration of medical services of the armed
forces, the training courses needed to increase their ability to use new technologies, and develop
a comprehensive and integrated action plan for the implementation and use of modern
technologies in the administration work of the General Directorate of Medical Services of the
Armed Forces gradually until access to the automated dealing absolute administration
transactions design training programs for workers in the medical management of services
according to their needs, and in the light of modern techniques that should be used to impart
elements of speed, flexibility and accuracy of their business. [15].
The aim of the article by Barra et al is to suggest a strategy for developing flexible IS
standards to improve the HIS in developing countries. Using complexity theories to interpret
-63-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
the outcomes of the action research project, we propose a strategy whose two main components
are to create an attractor that emerges as a new standard and which evolves into a system of
standards, and second, to suggest that the individual standards must be crafted in a manner
which allows the whole complex system of standards to be adaptive to the local context.
Furthermore, the strategy is based on two principles, which we call the principle of flexible
standards and the principle of integrated independence. With this strategy, we argue, while
being rather general, is of particular importance when addressing the complexity caused by the
uneven development of infrastructure in developing countries. We illustrate how this approach
is supported by obtaining rich information from minimal data, how radical change can be
achieved through taking small steps, and how gateways and a focus on data standards (as
opposed to technical standards) are the important components when aiming at scaling national
HIS in developing countries [9].
A health information system (HIS) is the intersection of between healthcare’s business
process, and information systems to deliver better healthcare services. The nature of healthcare
industry, which is highly influenced by economic, social, politic, and technological factors, has
changed over time. This paper will address some important concepts of healthcare and related
terminologies to provide a holistic view for HIS. Related technological milestones and major
events are briefly summarized. The trends and rapid development of health information
technologies are also discussed [3].The researchers aimed to examine the current status of
computer information systems and its role in decision making in Jordan bank. Results showed
that there was a strong relationship between information systems and the process of decision-
making, in addition to that Jordan relies heavily on a number of technologies used by IS to
implement their key activities. [2].
Al Zahrani 2010 examined and identified the importance role of management information
systems in the decision-making process during crises at the Directorate General of Border
Guard in Saud Arabia. His results showed that MIS was effectively used in decision-making
during crises. In addition, he confirmed that the MIS should be used more heavily in the
decision process during crises. Finally, the researchers recommended that the MIS units should
be maintained to ensure a free flow of information and adequate use of MIS in decision-making.
[7].
The aim of this paper has been to organize the knowledge gained in qualitative studies
performed in association to HIS implementations and to use this knowledge to outline an
updated structure for implementation planning. We found that the main action implication that
could be drawn from the meta-analysis was that merely implementing a HIS will not
automatically increase the organizational efficiency. We used a multi-disciplinary team for the
analyses in order to cover as many aspects of the primary studies as possible. Nevertheless, our
results should be interpreted as a high-order scheme, and not a predictive theory and the action
recommendation need to be investigated in prospective studies. The results obtained shown that
when implementing HISs in hospital and primary care environments, at a minimum, strategic,
tactical, and operational actions have to be taken into consideration, through management
involvement, integration in healthcare workflow and especially user involvement, education,
and training and through establishing compatibility between software and hardware. The results
show also that many of the most important failures seem still to emerge from the absence of
feedback from end–users to developers during the development process. What it is needed is
the use of an implementation methodology that minimizes the information asymmetry in the
implementation process, and that allows the accumulation of the knowledge capital needed to
prevent rejection of the final system [19].
-64-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
-65-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
v. The reduction in working time and provide medical services to a larger number of
patients.
vi. Improving the patient experience and the rest of society.
vii. Create an electronic patient file.
viii. Adoption of uniform systems in disease diagnosis.
ix. Adjust the provision of health services.
x. Information dissemination to broad audiences quickly and more effectively.
xi. Administration and medical decision-making more validity and accuracy.
xii. Assist researchers interested in health.
i. The lack of long-term vision: most of the leaders of health care health professionals know
about health care more than they know about systems health information. This has led to
the absence of a holistic and long-term planning systems health information.
ii. The lack of affordability: have left the economic situation and financial constraints imposed
on the health-care sector many of the health care units and medical education institutions
without adequate funding for basic health needs, let alone finance the cost of computing.
Reliance has become external resources or funding from donors is the rule and not the
exception in health information systems.
iii. Lack of experience in the field of health information systems: because the Middle East
countries lacked experience in this area with a lack of awareness of its value, will continue
to suffer health care institutions. We must keep pace with technology, health information,
medical education medical practice will soon be fully dependent on technology.
iv. Weak information infrastructure: many countries of the region to background information,
and to contact technology infrastructure. This has led to a lack of computing policies and
national policies for information, culture, information and qualified personnel, the low
level of adaptation of information in the healthcare sector as circumstances dictate.
v. The absence of a legal framework, legislative, ethical and constitutional: because most
countries in the region did not enter the laws and regulations to regulate information
technology in General, and health information systems in particular. Will regulate the legal
framework of EDI or allow to reach patient files, electronic publishing and the encoding
systems, confidentiality and privacy.
Every day we make an enormous number of decisions, some of these decisions are
routinely and habitually that we made them without thinking and other decisions that need
thinking and patience before we make such decisions because these decisions are critical, may
change our life and there are decisions that we made them instantly and momentary according
to the situation.
Decision Making is a process of making a choice from a number of alternatives to achieve
the desired result, this definition revealed three main elements as the following: first, there are
many options to choose from them. Second, according to the first element decision-making is
a process that includes more than only a final choice from among substitutes. Finally, the
-66-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
“desired result” contains a purpose resulting from the mental activity that the decision maker
engages in to reach a final decision. In addition, decision-making is a way of life [14]. Decision
Making is a process that selects the desired option or a development of actions from among a
group of alternatives on the basis of given standards or strategies [12].
Retrieval of health
information
Decision Making
Acquire health information
To achieve the underlined research objectives data needed to be collected through using
a questionnaire method, and qualitative approach. Data collected are entered and treated by
using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics
techniques such as frequencies, percentages, average means, and standard deviations have been
used to analyze and interpret the sample perceptions, and demographic characteristics. The
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. will be used with the aim of analysis,
including:
1 - Cronbach's alpha Test.
2 - Descriptive Statistics.
3- Chi-square
6. Numerical Results
This section presents an analysis of the data collected and the findings from this research.
A total of 105 questionnaires were distributed 94 were collected 4 questionnaires have been
neglected due to uncompleted answers, 90 questionnaires data were suitable to be tested, data
were then prepared, examined, and screened for outliers and missing values. The hypotheses
were then tested using regression analysis, at significant level (0.05). Cronbach's Alpha was
-67-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
used to measure the reliability of instrument. The value of Cronbach's Alpha level was 78%,
we consider this rate is excellent because they were higher than the accepted rate of 60%.
Table 1 shows that %45.6 of the samples were 30-40 years, %32.2were Less than 30years,
%17.8 were 41-50 years old, and %4.4 were more than 50 years.
Table 2 shows that %77.8 of the samples are males, %22.2were females.
Bachelors 54 60.0
Valid Diploma 19 21.1
master/PHD 14 15.6
Total 90 100.0
Table 3 shows that: %60.0 of the samples hold Bachelor's degree, %21.1 hold Diploma,
%15.6 hold master/PHD degree, and % 3.3 hold High school degree.
-68-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
Table 5 indicates the attitudes of the sample towards questionnaire statements of Retrieval
of health information; the table indicates that Retrieval of health information Average was
(3.977) that indicates that Retrieval of health information was in high estimation level. These
results shows that statements means were between (3.432 - 4.456).With regards to Acquire
health information: Means & Sd. were executed.
-69-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
Table 6 indicates the attitudes of the sample towards questionnaire statements of Acquire
health information; the table indicates that Acquire health information Average was (3.8267)
that indicates that Acquire health information was at high estimation level. These results shows
that statements means were between (3.244- 4.344).
On other hand, with regards to the working staff efficiency: Means & Sd. were executed
to the statements, table 7 shows the results.
Table 7 indicates the attitudes of the sample towards questionnaire statements of working
staff efficiency; the table indicates that working staff efficiency Average was (3.704) that
-70-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
indicates that working staff efficiency was at high estimation level. These results shows that
statements means were between (3.056- 4.444).
Concerning the Decision Making (Dependent variable): Means & Sd. were executed to
the statements, table 8 shows the results
Table 8: Means and Std. Deviation of Decision Making
No. Statements Mean Std. Deviation
Table 8 indicates the attitudes of the sample towards questionnaire statements of Decision
Making, These results shows that statements means were between (3.489- 4.611): Decision
Making Average was (4.130) that indicates that Decision Making was at high estimation level.
The work reached that retrieval of health information was in high estimation level, the
results indicates that the information provided by the current information system has details
required by the various hospital departments, administration levels and in all times. Used
information system provides the importance and usefulness information needed for the
Supreme Administration levels. The devices used provide appropriate information that
addresses hospital objectives, Information system always provides all the necessary
information. The results shows that Information system do not resulted statistical data and
information requested by the various departments and sections of the hospital upon request.
The article reached that acquire health information was at high estimation level, that results
shows that Information provided by the information systems fit with various emergency
and urgent circumstances. Information provided by information systems accurate,
Information provided by the information systems are useful for each case. The results
shows that Information provided by information systems are not highly efficient.
The article reached that working staff efficiency was at high estimation level, employees
subjecting to training sessions on a regular basis. Employees in every department have
-71-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
efficiency in dealing with information system. The administration recruits individuals with
high experience in information system, the results shows that Individuals working in
information systems have high efficiency in dealing with the available hardware, the
employees provided with the basic skills necessary to deal with the modern systems.
The article reached that decision making was at high estimation level, the administration
collect sufficient information about the problem for decision and they determined the
problem to make a decision and they identify the problem elements for decision. The
hospital analyzed the alternatives to make its decision. The administration usually make
the most efficient decisions.
There is a statistically significant relationship between retrieval of health information and
decision making of administration and medical.
There is a statistically significant relationship between acquire health information and
decision making of administration and medical.
There is a statistically significant relationship between efficiency of staff working the
information system and decision making.
-72-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
References
[1]. AL-Adwan, Minwer M, ( 2016 ). "The Impact of Information Technology on Health
Sector Performance: Case Study–Saudi Arabia Health Sector." The Pacific Journal of
Science and Technology.
[2]. Alkhaffaf, Maha (2012), The Role of Information Systems in Decision Making: The case
of Jordan Bank, published by Computer Engineering and Intelligent Systems.
[3]. Almunawar, Mohd. Nabil, Anshari, Muhammad (2013), Health Information Systems
(HIS): Concept and Technology, on line:
http://foresight.ifmo.ru/ict/shared/files/201311/1_118.pdf.
[4]. Allen, B., Heurtebise, A., & Turnbull, J. (2010). Improving Information Access. Business
Management US. http://www.busmanagement.com/article/Improving-information-
access/visit 2/4/2016
[5]. Anshari, Muhammad and Almunawar, Mohd. (2012), Health Information Systems (HIS):
Concept and Technology, http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1203/1203.3923.pdf.
[6]. Al Shorbaji, Najib (2001) "medical and health informatics in the East Mediterranean"
Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean – the World Health Organization
Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Riyadh, Cairo
[7]. Al-Zhrani, S. (2010). Management information systems role in decision-making during
crises: case study. Journal of Computer Science.
[8]. Braa, Jørn, Hanseth, Ole (2007), Health Information Systems in Developing Countries,
MIS Quarterly Journal Vol. 31 Special Issue pp. 1-XXX/August.
[9]. Braa, Jørn, Hanseth, Ole, Heywood, Arthur, Mohammed, Woinshet and Shaw, Vincent
(2007), Health Information Systems in Developing Countries, published in MIS
Quarterly, Vol. 31, Special Issue.
[10]. Coulter, Angela, Parsons, Suzanne, Askham, Janet (2008), Where are the patients in
decision-making about their own care? Health Systems And Policy Analysis, WHO
Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
[11]. Haux, Reinhold (2006), Health information systems: past, present, future, published by
International Journal of Medical Informatics.
[12]. Health Information and Quality Authority (2013), Overview of Healthcare
Interoperability Standards, Dublin Regional Office, Dublin, Ireland.
[13]. Jeremie, Nzanzu, and Kaseje, Dan, and Olayo, Rose and Akinyi, Caroline (2014),
Utilization of Community-based Health Information Systems in Decision Making and
Health Action in Nyalenda, Kisumu County, Kenya, published in Universal Journal of
Medical Science.
[14]. Lunenburg, Fred (2010), The Decision Making Process, Published By National Forum
Of Educational Administration And Supervision Journal, Vol. 27.
[15]. Marri, Yaser Salem (2009) "The role of modern technology in raising the efficiency of
the performance of employees in the public administration of medical services to the
armed forces Arabia," the study Unpublished Master, Naif University for Security
Sciences, Riyadh.
[16]. Malliarou,Maria and Zyga, Sofia (2009), Advantages of Information Systems in Health
Services, published in Sport Management International Journal, Vol. 5.
[17]. Marcelo, Alvin and Canero, Julian (2010), Health Information Systems, published by
ACTA MEDICA PHILIPPINA, Vol. 44.
-73-
Egyptian Computer Science Journal Vol. 43 No.2 May 2019 ISSN-1110-2586
[18]. Mutale, Wilbroad, and Chintu, Namwinga, and Amoroso, Chery, and Awoonor-
Williams, Koku, and Phillips, James, and Baynes, Colin, and Michel, Cathy, and Taylor,
Angela and Sherr, Kenneth (2013), Improving health information systems for decision
making across five sub-Saharan African countries: Implementation strategies from the
African Health Initiative, published in BMC Health Services Research.
[19]. Rahimi, Bahlol, Vimarlund, Vivian and Timpka, Toomas (2009), Health Information
System Implementation: A Qualitative Meta-analysis, published in Journal of medical
systems, (33), 5.
[20]. Rhodes, J. (2010). The Role of Management Information Systems in Decision Making.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7147006_role-informationsystems- decision-making.html.
visit 11/1/2016
[21]. Smith J. (2010) "Health management information systems: a handbook for decision-
makers", , Open University Press,. Buckingham, United Kingdom.
[22]. Turpin, Marita and Plooy, Niek (2004), Decision-making Biases and Information
Systems, Decision Support in an Uncertain and Complex World: The IFIP TC8/WG8.3
International Conference.
[23]. Velde, Rudi de Van ; Degoulet, Patrice, (2003) "Clinical information systems: a
component-based approach", Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., USA
[24]. Wang, Yingxu and Ruhe, Guenther (2007), The Cognitive Process of Decision Making,
published by Int’l Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence.
[25]. WHO (2008), World Health organization, on line:
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/statistics/toolkit_hss/EN_PDF_Toolkit_HSS_Informatio
nSystems.pdf visit 20/2/2016
-74-