Using Biometrics Devices for Improving Automation in Hospital Management System: A Case Study in Semi-Urban India

This study discusses the best practices of a hospital in a semi-urban area in India and how the hospital management system has gained extended use through the usage of bio metrics device. Using the information system, all the stakeholders have benefitted and the monetary benefits have justified IT investment. Integration of information systems with patient care activities has reduced the patient care cost, making it a sustainable investment, making this a benefit to all hospitals. DOI: 10.4018/jhdri.2011040104 International Journal of Healthcare Delivery Reform Initiatives, 3(2), 40-48, April-June 2011 41 Copyright © 2011, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. is providing services to the richest. It will also be useful to understand critical success factors involved in this change management process. Different factors such as organization structure, technology infrastructure and implementation approach influence the success of the automation (Nolan, 1992; Galliers & Sutherland, 1991; Lubitz & Wickramasinghe, 2006). Parallel to the entry of private players, systematic and rational changes at the policy level like: 1. The reduction in customs and excise duties on various items has proved to be of great help to the sector resulting in the formation of the healthy competition. 2. Permissible depreciation rates for medical equipment under the Income Tax Law have been increased to enhance cash flows of the corporate hospitals in the private sector. 3. Lower interest on lending for private sector hospitals exceeding 100 beds will improve access to low cost funding for hospitals. 4. But the biggest leap has been the community-based universal health insurance scheme for the poor whereby a cover of Rs 30,000 is available for as low as Rs 2 per day with the Government contributing Rs 100 per annum for families below the poverty line. The entry of big pharmaceutical companies and the increasing research going in the field of drugs and medicine have also proved to be major support pillars of this sector. These companies have made tremendous impact on quality of services provided to the customers as well as reduction in cost giving value for money. This has been made possible by using technology. The introduction of technology has also shown a remarkable change in the performance of the health care sector in the rural scenario. According to Lubick et al. (2009), the use of Information Technology in health care has tremendous promise in improving efficiency, cost effectiveness, quality, and safety of medical delivery. However, Kaplan (2009) puts a very detailed argument about the complexity involved in integrating IT systems as well as the success and failure risks involved in implementing the IT In health care. This Case study will deal with the present MIS structure of CARE group of hospitals.