Chapter 6 Discussion Questions
1. Name each of the six components of a computer system and indicate the
function of each.
The six components of a computer system are:
a.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – more commonly called
“processor”, is the brains of the computer where most
calculations take place. It is the most important element of a
computer system (www.webopedia.com). It consist of three
major subcomponents called the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)
which has the computation and comparison abilities of the
computer such as image processing and statistical analysis of
large sets of data, the control unit which orchestrates the
sequential processing by coordinating data retrieval and the
registers which is the high speed memory area within the CPU.
(Glandon, Smaltz & Slovensky, 2008, p.137).
b.
Primary Storage – refers to “internal” memory where data are
stored for access by the CPU. It affects the computer’s
performance based on speed and capacity. It has the Read-onlymemory (ROM) that is used to store sets of instructions for
special tasks such as the computer start-up. It also has the
Random access memory (RAM) that stores data and processing
instructions in specified locations that can be accessed in any
order (p. 138).
c.
Secondary Storage – Include a variety of devices and media
designed to maintain small and large quantities of data such as
universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, smart card, optical disk
and portable hard drive to name a few (p. 138).
d.
Input Devices – It facilitates the process of entering data into the
computer in a variety of format such as keyboard entry, scanning
and voice input. Each format has different speed, accuracy and
cost effectiveness. Selection is based on various uses taking into
consideration both efficiency and accuracy (p. 137-138).
e.
Output Devices – The product of the work performed by the
computer system becomes usable and accessible to the user in
the form of print, digital or audio and spoken form. Examples
includes monitors, because of high resolutions have the ability to
support clinical diagnosis and treatment, printers and sound
digitization (p. 138).
f.
Communication Devices – connect the computer to enable
communication with other computers internally or externally
(outside of the organization). It paved way to the concepts of
networking and telecommunications (p. 136).
4. Suggest how the use of a patient ID bracelet containing a bar-code
representation of the patient’s ID and a bar code scanner can lead to improved quality of
care in a hospital.
According to Torres (2012), one technology that has had a tremendous
impact on patient safety is the barcode. In addition to patient safety and identification,
barcode offers many other benefits including improved operational efficiencies. The use
of barcoding in the healthcare organization provided another layer of safety and
protection and identification for the patients by ensuring that patient information are all
tied in to the barcode identification, once scanned, will reveal important patient
information captured at the point of patient’s admission and updated throughout the
hospital encounter. The barcode technology ensures the correct treatment and
medications are administered ultimately reducing errors and increasing patient safety
(Torres, 2012). Barcoding also affects workflow in hospitals and healthcare practices. It
eliminates manual data collection and provides easy access adding efficiency, saving the
organization time and resources (Torres, 2012).
5. Explain the difference between devices capable of voice input and voice
recognition.
Voice input device converts spoken language to machine language by digitizing
sound waves (Glandon, Smaltz & Slovensky, 2008, p. 140). “It is a device in which
speech is used to input data or system commands directly into a system. The spoken word
is analyzed and converted into a particular bit pattern that is stored in the vocabulary
table” (www.oxfordindex.oup.com). On the other hand, voice recognition or speech
recognition devices, through use of software, have the ability to receive and interpret
dictation or to understand and carry out spoken words (Rouse, 2007). The size of the
program’s effective vocabulary is directly related to the RAM of the computer in which it
is installed. It also has the possibility of errors related to surrounding noise and
recognition of words that are sound alike such as “hear” and “here” that can produce false
input (Rouse, 2007). Voice recognitions are also used rarely in organizations as an
alternative to keyboards due to high cost and low performance. It is expected however,
that voice recognition systems will be increasingly utilized if the cost decreases and
performance improved (www.webopedia.com).
9. Explain the difference between interfaced and integrated systems, and state one
advantage of each.
Interfaced and integrated information systems are two different approaches in
acquiring application software in a healthcare organization. An interfaced system acts as
a bridge between two modules, which translates the data format into one that the
receiving module can handle. This system is made simpler if the modules of the
interfaced systems are in standard data format, allowing compatibility. One advantage is
it allows users to choose the leading system for a given module that could result in lower
costs by leveraging one vendor against another, removing the need to replace modules
when updates are needed (Glandon, Smaltz & Slovensky, 2008, p. 144).
In integrated systems, all modules required to satisfy the organization’s
computing needs are identified and purchased form a single vendor. Its advantage
includes compatibility among the modules and need only a single source for system
support and maintenance (p. 144).
References
CPU – Central processing unit. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com
Glandon, G. L., Smaltz, D. H., & Slovensky, D. J. (2008). Austin and Boxerman’s
information systems for healthcare management (7th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health
Administration Press.
Overview: voice input device. (nd). Oxford Index. Retrieved from
http://www.oxfordindex.oup.com
Rouse, M. (2007). Definition: voice recognition. TechTarget. Retrieved from
http://www.searchcrm.techtarget.com
Torres, A. (2012). The role of barcode technology in patient’s safety and identification.
Health Management Technology. Retrieved from http://www.healthmgttech.com