Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Clinical informaticians use information technology mainly to accomplish which of the following?

1. Enhance billing processes

2. Assess information needs of patients

3. Manage staffing schedules

4. Control inventory levels

The correct answer is: Assess information needs of patients

Clinical informaticians primarily focus on the intersection of healthcare and information technology to improve patient care and outcomes. One of their key responsibilities is to assess the information needs of patients. This involves understanding what health information is necessary for patients to make informed decisions about their care, ensuring that they have access to relevant data, and utilizing technology to deliver this information effectively. This role goes beyond simply managing resources or administrative tasks; it centers on enhancing patient engagement through informed decision-making. By assessing patients' information needs, clinical informaticians can develop systems and tools that facilitate better communication, education, and personalized care plans, ultimately leading to improved healthcare experiences and outcomes. In contrast, while billing processes, staffing schedules, and inventory levels are important in the healthcare setting, they are not the primary focus of clinical informaticians. Instead, these activities are usually managed by other healthcare management professionals or departments that do not specifically address the informatics objective of improving clinical decision-making and patient engagement through technology.