What is the difference between a hospital management system and a hospital information system?

Posted by MocDoc on May 5th, 2023

In the healthcare industry, technology plays a vital role in providing efficient and effective patient care. Hospital management systems (HMS) and hospital information system (HIS) are two types of software that are used to streamline hospital operations. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a hospital management system and a hospital information system.

Hospital Information System (HIS)

A hospital information system (HIS) is a type of software that is used to manage patient information, medical records, and other hospital-related data. It is a comprehensive, integrated system that allows healthcare professionals to store, retrieve, and share patient information electronically. HIS is designed to manage clinical, financial, and administrative processes in a hospital setting. Some of the key components of a hospital information system include:

1. Electronic Medical Records (EMR):  An EMR is a digital version of a patient's medical record. HIS allows healthcare professionals to access and update patient records from anywhere, at any time. This ensures that patient information is up-to-date and accurate.

2. Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE):  CPOE is a system that allows healthcare professionals to order tests, medications, and other treatments electronically. This eliminates the need for handwritten orders, which can be difficult to read and can lead to errors.

3. Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS): A CDSS is a system that provides healthcare professionals with decision-making tools and guidelines based on evidence-based medicine. This ensures that patients receive the best possible care based on the latest medical knowledge.

Hospital Management System (HMS)

A hospital management system (HMS) is a software application that is used to manage the day-to-day operations of a hospital. It includes features such as patient registration, appointment scheduling, billing, inventory management, and staff management. Some of the key components of a hospital management system include:

1. Patient Registration:  This feature allows hospital staff to register new patients and update existing patient information.

2. Appointment Scheduling:  This feature allows hospital staff to schedule patient appointments with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

3. Billing and Accounting:  This feature allows hospital staff to generate bills for patients and manage the hospital's financial accounts.

Difference between HIS and HMS

While HIS and HMS share some similarities, they are designed to serve different purposes. HIS is primarily focused on managing patient information and medical records, while HMS is designed to manage the day-to-day operations of a hospital. HIS is used by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, while HMS is used by administrative staff such as receptionists, billing clerks, and inventory managers.

Another key difference between hospital information system HIS and HMS is their scope. HIS is typically more comprehensive and covers a wide range of clinical, financial, and administrative processes. HMS, on the other hand, is more focused and usually covers only the administrative processes involved in running a hospital.