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HLS 117 Computer Applications in Health Lecture 1

Computer applications

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27 views

HLS 117 Computer Applications in Health Lecture 1

Computer applications

Uploaded by

collinsotien586
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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South Eastern Kenya University

HLS 117 Computer Applications in Health


Lecture 1

September 2024

A: Introduction to Computers: Hardware, Soft-


ware, and Operating Systems
1. Introduction to Computers
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks based
on a set of instructions called software. Computers are widely used in various
fields, including healthcare, to enhance data management, streamline workflows,
and provide decision support.

2. Components of a Computer
Computers are generally divided into two main components: hardware and
software.

2.1 Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that you can see and
touch. The primary components of computer hardware are:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The ”brain” of the computer, re-


sponsible for executing instructions and processing data. It consists of
two units:
– Control Unit (CU): Directs operations within the computer.
– Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical oper-
ations.

• Memory:
– Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary memory that stores
data and instructions actively used by the CPU. RAM is volatile.

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– Read-Only Memory (ROM): Permanent memory that contains essen-
tial programs used to boot the computer. ROM is non-volatile.
• Storage Devices:
– Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD): Permanent stor-
age for software, documents, and other files.
– External Storage: USB drives, external HDDs, and DVDs used for
additional or portable storage.
• Input Devices: Devices that allow users to interact with the computer
by providing data and commands. Examples include the keyboard, mouse,
scanner, and touchscreen.
• Output Devices: Devices that display the results of computer processes
to the user. Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers.
• Motherboard: The main circuit board that houses the CPU, memory,
and other components. It facilitates communication between different
parts of the computer.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Supplies electrical power to the computer
components.

2.2 Software
Software refers to the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware
how to perform specific tasks. There are two main types of software: system
software and application software.
System Software:
• Operating System (OS): The primary system software that manages com-
puter hardware and software resources. Examples include Windows, ma-
cOS, and Linux.
• Device Drivers: Specialized software that allows the operating system to
communicate with hardware devices like printers, scanners, and graphics
cards.
• Utility Programs: Software designed to perform maintenance tasks, such
as disk cleanup and antivirus programs.
Application Software:
• Examples include:
– Microsoft Word : A word processing application.
– Excel : A spreadsheet application.
– Health Information Systems (HIS): Software used in healthcare set-
tings for patient data management.

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3. Operating Systems (OS)
The operating system is a type of system software that acts as an intermediary
between users and the computer hardware.

3.1 Functions of an Operating System


• Process Management: Manages the execution of processes.

• Memory Management: Allocates memory to programs.


• File System Management: Manages files and directories.
• Device Management: Manages hardware devices through device drivers.

• User Interface: Provides a graphical or command-line interface.

3.2 Types of Operating Systems


• Desktop Operating Systems: Designed for personal computers (e.g.,
Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Mobile Operating Systems: Designed for mobile devices (e.g., An-
droid, iOS).

• Network Operating Systems (NOS): Designed to manage and sup-


port networks (e.g., Windows Server, Linux Server).

3.3 Examples of Popular Operating Systems


• Microsoft Windows: Widely used OS for personal computers.
• macOS: Developed by Apple Inc. Known for its stability and security.

• Linux: Open-source OS used by developers and IT professionals.

4. Importance of Operating Systems in Healthcare


Operating systems play a critical role in healthcare by enabling the management
of electronic health records, device integration, and data security.

5. Summary
Computers consist of hardware and software components. Operating systems
manage these resources and provide essential services for application software.

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B: Overview of Health Informatics
1. Introduction to Health Informatics
Health informatics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates information sci-
ence, computer science, and healthcare to enhance the quality of care and
streamline healthcare systems.

2. Components of Health Informatics


2.1 Health Data
Health data includes structured and unstructured data, such as medical histo-
ries, diagnoses, and treatments.

2.2 Technology in Health Informatics


Key technologies include Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information
Exchange (HIE), and Telemedicine.

2.3 Healthcare Professionals


Health informatics is used by doctors, nurses, healthcare administrators, and
public health workers for decision-making and patient care.

3. Applications of Health Informatics


• EHRs: Store and manage patient medical histories.
• LIMS: Manage laboratory operations and sample tracking.
• Telehealth and Telemedicine: Provide healthcare services remotely.
• Decision Support Systems (DSS): Assist healthcare professionals with
diagnostics and treatment decisions.

4. Benefits of Health Informatics


• Improved patient care.
• Increased efficiency in healthcare processes.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Enhanced patient engagement.
• Cost reduction.

5. Challenges in Health Informatics


Key challenges include data privacy, interoperability, and user adoption.

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6. Health Informatics in Various Healthcare Areas
• Public Health Informatics: Focuses on population health.
• Nursing Informatics: Supports nurses in patient care and documenta-
tion.

• Laboratory Medicine Informatics: Involves laboratory data manage-


ment.

7. Role of Health Informatics Professionals


Professionals include health informatics specialists, data analysts, and clinical
informatics managers.

8. Summary
Health informatics improves the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of health-
care services.

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