Item 4.2 - Management of Information, Knowledge and Information Technology (45 pts.)                                                   Process

HOW do you manage your information, organizational KNOWLEDGE, and information technology?

Describe HOW your organization ensures the quality and availability of needed data, information, software, and hardware for your WORKFORCE, suppliers, PARTNERS, COLLABORATORS, and PATIENTS and STAKEHOLDERS.

Describe HOW your organization builds and manages its KNOWLEDGE ASSETS.

Within your response, include answers to the following questions:

4.2a.  Data, Information, and Knowledge Management

(1)     HOW do you ensure the following properties of your organizational data, information, and KNOWLEDGE:

• accuracy

• integrity and reliability

• timeliness

• security and confidentiality

(2)     HOW do you make needed data and information available?

HOW do you make them accessible to your WORKFORCE, suppliers, PARTNERS, COLLABORATORS, and PATIENTS and STAKEHOLDERS, as appropriate?

(3)     HOW do you manage organizational KNOWLEDGE to accomplish

• the collection and transfer of WORKFORCE KNOWLEDGE;

• the transfer of relevant KNOWLEDGE from and to PATIENTS and STAKEHOLDERS, suppliers, PARTNERS, and COLLABORATORS;

• the rapid identification, sharing, and implementation of best practices; and

• the assembly and transfer of relevant KNOWLEDGE for use in your strategic planning PROCESS.

4.2b.  Management of Information Resources and Technology

(1)     HOW do you ensure that hardware and software are reliable, secure, and user friendly?

(2)     In the event of an emergency, HOW do you ensure the continued availability of hardware and software systems and the continued availability of data and information?

(3)     HOW do you keep your data and information availability mechanisms, including your software and hardware systems, current with HEALTH CARE SERVICE needs and directions and with technological changes in your operating environment?

Note:

N1. Data and information access (4.2a[2]) might be via electronic or other means. Of growing importance to health care organizations are initiatives to develop and utilize electronic medical records to share PATIENT data both within the organization and, as appropriate, with other health care organizations. Of particular concern to health care organizations is the need to ensure the confidentiality of PATIENT records in compliance with HIPAA.

For additional description of this Item, see 4.2 Management of Information, Knowledge, and Information Technology Description.