1. What are the benefits of using a thin (or zero) client for Internet connection? Explain the difference between a “fat” client, “thin” client, and “zero” client system and identify a real-world example for each type of client that highlights that client-type’s advantage.

Thin client is also called as zero clients. Thin client has several benefits for the IT infrastructure of an organization. It is cost saving as it reduces the multiple costs such as support cost, capital cost, purchasing cost, licensing costs, and reduces operating and administration cost up to 70%. Thin client is reducing the bills of energy to 97%. It simplifies the management system and upgrades all the software and hardware systems, application updates, security policies etc. It does not require an IT to fix problems in certain location, it has less downtime, simple back up system.

The system is secured as no threat such as virus can enter as it is unable to install unauthorized software. Data cannot be copied or saved in any other location as it is a centralized data system it is easy to monitor and manage and privacy is ensured. The setup system is fast and it quickens the entire setup. It increases the productivity and has access to systems in order to create dynamic environment for the easy access of thin clients. [1]

Several sellers claim that they are selling zero client setup while in reality it is thin client. Thin clients comprises upon CPU, local storage and RAM, it makes easy access to the internet. Fat clients are high end and include hard drives and graphic solutions. Fat client makes the computer look better than thin clients. On the other hand zero clients eradicates the requirement of maintenance or support of a computing system rather it does not require any kind of operating system, memory storage of CPU. It is self-sufficient client system.

Wyse thin client is affordable and requires less power energy and in order to meet performance and budget performance. Microsoft is the example of fat client as it provides several computer systems. Virtual Desktop Interfaces uses zero clients because of lower price and lower usage of power. [2]

Links for Q. 1 References

1. http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-education/benefits-of-using-thin-clients

2. https://www.infoworld.com/article/2627997/vdi/desktop-virtualization-clients--fat--thin--or-zero-.html

2. What are some of the key capabilities of a robust (Stage 7) EHR (Electronic Health Records)?

Key capabilities of a robust Electronic Health Records include;

The person and population level information is provided and it is accessible easily for authorized users.

All the efficient processes for health care delivery are supported.

Presentation of knowledge and support of decision that enhances safety, quality and health care of the patients.

Brief collection of electronic health information of patients and about them, and there health information is defined as information pertaining to health of a person and health care provided to him.

The record system has been transferred from paper to electronic health records in several private and government sectors. The use is highly encouraged and the reason is strong IT infrastructure of it. It is required to provide better quality care, improvement of safety level in healthcare, increasing costs of health care services, and in order to provide security in sector of health.

There are several different views present for development and application of Electronic Health record. There are some EHR present which provide services such as brief data of patients, medications and results. There are some EHR which provide support of decision like alerts for drug interaction, reminders for preventions etc. [3]

Links for Q. 2 References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221800/

3. Why did the federal government in the HITECH Act of 2009 create a meaningful use standard for EHRs (Electronic Health Records)? Give 2 examples of the type of standards dictated by this Act and explain their significance.

HITECH ACT was signed by Federal government of on February 17, 2009 with total budget of $22 billion out of which$19.2 was to be invested on integration of Electronic Health Records. This is done to increase the use of EHR by doctors and hospitals. The Electronic Health Records have come up as very important improvement in delivery of health care in US. This program has been made accessible for hospitals and physicians to have meaningful use of smart IT technology in health sector. And authorities who do not meet the requirements are punishable by law for not reaching to the standards marked by EHR [4]

The main aim of act is to provide meaningful use of certified EHR technology. In some recent establishments it is acknowledged that only eligible health professionals and eligible hospitals can have access to EHR technology in order to ensure meaningful use. The eligibility is known by participation in Medicare or Medicaid programs. Major purpose is to ensure quality use of electronic health records. The meaningful use of the standard is difficult to define, it is defined as specific requirements presented by the Final Rule. There are three specified requirements of HITECH act.

E-prescribing which means the usage of certified EHR technology in a meaningful manner.

Usage of a certified technology in a way that it provides health information electronically.

Usage of a certified EHR technology to submit CQM as well as several other measures that are defined by HHS secretary [5]

This act states several standards with their significances. Two of them are stated below:

Notice: A notice should be provided by the health care center in writing and should be sent through email. If the organization does not fulfill the criteria of the act they are provided with another form and if they fulfill the criteria they are accepted, promoted and registered. This is done to ensure that proper health care is provided to the patients.

Safety: If business associates acquire this act in their organization they are liable to obey the security rules of administration, physical and technical safeguard requirements. This act requires that appropriate security policies and health procedures are applied to the organization and if it fails to come up to those standards then it is subjected to penalties. [6]

 An interfaced HIT system is a connector or a bridge which allows communication of two or more software in a limited capacity. Data can be saved in several places and therefore this system requires more administration.

Links for Q. 3 References

1. https://www.healthcareinfosecurity.com/essential-guide-to-hitech-act-a-2053

2. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/hitech-act-enforcement-interim-final-rule/index.html

3. https://www.hitechanswers.net/about/about-the-hitech-act-of-2009/

4. Distinguish between an interfaced and an integrated HIT system. Provide two real-world examples where one model would provide an advantage over the other.

An integrated HIT system is a whole itself and has solo and same product despite the means. This occurs when two or more products work together in association so different functions are combined to produce one result or product. Data is maintained in one location and it is first clinical system which is fully integrated in digital imaging system, it is capable of fitting several imagining devices into one high quality solution.

Integrated systems have similar database which means same data will be available in every source and does not need any mapping system, so the level of errors is reduced. Changes are simultaneously made if it is made in one system e.g. In case of Advanced Payroll AX, if change is made in AX General Ledger then that change is automatically been made in Advanced Payroll AX.

StaffRight Omni is software, an example of interfaced system and sometimes it fits the best as compared to integrated system. StaffRight has ability to share and take out data from several HRIS system and payroll software systems which means bringing in bank balances from HRIS system because of the interference of two software i.e. StaffRefresh and StaffPay interfaces. [7]

Links for Q. 4 References

1. https://pattersonsupport.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3319/~/definition-of-an-interface-vs-integration

References for Heath information system