Health IT, or health information technology, is the term used for systems that use technology to better manage patient data, deliver care and improve outcomes. Health IT has a long history dating back to 1960s, when hospitals started using electronic data processing to perform administrative tasks like billing and scheduling patients.
The first clinical information system was developed in the 1970s. It used laboratory results and patient data to manage. During the 80s, health IT focused more on electronic medical records (EMRs), and computerized physicians order entry (CPOE).
Internet access became widespread in the 90s. Telemedicine and web-based information systems were developed. In the 2000s, electronic health records were developed. These EHRs allowed the integration of data from different sources as well as the sharing of information among healthcare professionals.
Health IT is ubiquitous today. A wide variety of technologies, such as mobile health apps (mHealth), remote patient monitoring system, and AI-based diagnostic tools, are all available. Health IT can transform healthcare by improving outcomes for patients, decreasing costs and increasing efficiency.