What Impact Will It Have On Computer Software Essay Example

equipment.

The company experienced significant delivery delays and believes they lost many customer accounts due to a catastrophe that occurred. This serves as a small example of the consequences that can arise when computer software and related equipment do not undergo Y2K compatibility testing. Consider the chaos and destruction that could result from a similar incident taking place in a hospital, where lives are at risk instead of just inventory. The term "Code Blue 2000" is used to describe the potential breakdown of hospital software and medical devices worldwide. Most hospital organizations have taken precautions to address any possible issues with their software and medical equipment. However, it is the organizations that disregard this potential problem that are likely to lose important patient information and, in severe cases, find their ability to provide adequate healthcare compromised.

Major Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana is currently conducting tests on its computer system's software to ensure compatibility with the Year 2000 (Y2K). The computer scientists are examining mock systems in the initial phase to determine how the transition to the new millennium will affect them. After that, they are replacing outdated software and equipment with Y2K compliant alternatives. Major Hospital has spent over $500,000 on researching the Y2K problem.

This research is expensive for an organization, but ignoring the issue could have devastating consequences. The report will examine various ways in which hospitals may be impacted by the Y2K problem, with a primary focus on the potential harm that patients, especially those reliant on biomedical devices for life support, may face due to this issue.

This report will analyze the challenges associated with hospital administration, specifically concerning patients' medical records and accounts. Additionally,

it will explore the potential adverse effects on utilities like electricity, gas, and water. Ensuring a safe and secure environment is vital for hospitals; therefore, this report will outline the measures implemented by hospitals to guarantee patient safety and security.

The Y2K problem is causing significant concerns for hospitals globally due to several reasons. The main issue revolves around biomedical devices that depend on computer software. These critical biomedical devices include pacemakers, fetal monitors, Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines (MRI’s), and heart defibrillators. Among them, the pacemaker is particularly important and vulnerable to the Y2K problem. Acting as an electronic device implanted in the heart wall, the pacemaker's function is to detect abnormal heartbeats and administer mild electric shocks to restore normal heart operation.

The pacemaker's function is to record the timing of electric shocks and this data can be downloaded and examined by medical professionals. Cardiologists utilize this information to detect patterns and irregularities in a patient's heart rhythms. If the software incorrectly records the timing of shocks, it could result in misinterpretation of findings and improper medical treatment, potentially leading to fatal consequences for certain patients. To evaluate their awareness of the potentially hazardous Y2K problem, the Veteran's Administration interviewed the top five pacemaker manufacturers. One company stated they would address the issue by mid-year, two companies claimed they had already resolved it, while the remaining two companies were behind schedule in resolving the problem.

Aside from pacemakers, other biomedical devices with potentially defective software include anesthesia monitors and fetal monitors. Anesthesia monitors regulate the effects of anesthesia on patients during surgical procedures, while fetal monitors assess the well-being of babies in the mother's womb.

The Y2K problem

may have negative consequences on incubators, which are essential for the survival of newborn babies. There are also other biomedical devices that could be affected by this issue. These devices include MRI's, which generate computerized images of arteries, nerves, tendons, and tumors. Infusion pumps used in intravenous drips and heart defibrillators, which are a life-saving measure to establish a heartbeat during emergencies, also rely on embedded microchips for proper functioning. Furthermore, there are intensive care monitors like heart monitors, blood pressure monitors, and machines providing additional oxygen and physical support. It is crucial to note that these monitors might not comply with Y2K standards.

Major Hospital is ensuring that their computer systems are Y2K compliant. They are also focusing on the dialysis machines and radiation equipment, which play a critical role in patient care. Major Hospital is working closely with equipment vendors to ensure all biomedical devices comply with Y2K standards. Carol Hussman, information systems manager at Major Hospital, is confident that patient care will not be interrupted as testing nears completion. Despite technological advancements, the Y2K problem still concerns hospitals like Major Hospital where lives are at stake. However, Major Hospital is taking proactive measures to address the issue. Nevertheless, some hospitals in the United States remain unprepared for Y2K.

The Y2K problem is causing difficulties not just in the IT field, but also in Australian hospitals where nearly a third of computer-related equipment, including cardiac monitors and drug distribution systems, have failed the millennium test. This can have an impact on patient care, including their mental health as they may panic in a crisis situation. The Major Hospital personnel are aware of this aspect

of the Y2K problem and are focused on preventing any software issues that could cause patient confusion or panic. However, there are currently no specific strategies in place to handle potential patient disorder, except for addressing patient questions individually.

The Y2K problem not only impacts biomedical devices but also non-medical devices such as personal computers utilized for record-keeping and accounting. Neglecting to resolve the programming issues in these devices could result in a range of problems. Although certain patient records are stored on paper as a backup, the majority of crucial patient data, including medical histories, test results, registration, and insurance information, is stored in computer databases. These databases may experience malfunctions if they are not tackled for the Y2K problem. The accessibility of patient information plays a vital role for physicians and other hospital staff who heavily rely on these databases.

One touch of a keypad is all it takes to conveniently access patient information. However, it's crucial to remember that inaccurate patient data can lead to harmful medical treatment or the wrong medication being administered. Hospitals have two choices when it comes to addressing this problem: they can stick with time-consuming and error-prone paper records or choose to develop Y2K compatible database systems.

President Bill Clinton enacted the "Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act" to address the Y2K problem. According to a statement released by the Office of the Press Secretary of the White House, this law mandates the sharing of necessary information tools to overcome the Y2K issue. This will assist hospital information systems departments in obtaining the knowledge they need to reprogram noncompliant systems. The problem with personal computers not only affects

the hospital records department but also impacts the purchasing, billing, and payroll functions in the accounting department. Failure to bring clerical software into Y2K compliance could lead to delays in acquiring essential medical equipment and supplies. Alongside President Clinton's legislation, the Washington State Health Association (WSHA) recommends steps for ensuring compatibility in insurance billing.

Tom Byron, the chief information officer of the WSHA, has stated that the WSUBC has made several resolutions regarding the electronic submission of UB-92 claims. These resolutions include: (1) using Medical Flat File, Version 5.0, (2) ensuring all plans are ready to accept the recommended format by October 1, 1998, (3) requiring providers to submit claims in the recommended format by January 1, 1999, (4) allowing a submission period from October 1, 1998 to March 31, 1999 for providers to submit claims in either the recommended format or the current format, and (5) discontinuing non-Y2K compliant electronic formats starting from April 1, 1999. By following these laws and recommendations, hospitals should experience little or no impact on their clerical areas due to the Y2K problem. However, aside from patient care and clerical issues related to Y2K concerns, hospitals also have another important concern - utilities are crucial for people's everyday lives.

While a power outage at home may be manageable with candles and waiting for the electricity to return, the situation is much more serious in a hospital. Losing utility service in a medical facility goes beyond mere inconvenience. To illustrate this, let's consider the example of visiting a hospital on December 31, 1999 - it could pose an even greater problem than expected.

All hospitals depend on electricity, gas, and water for their

daily operations. A representative from Major Hospital affirms that they have made every effort to adhere to the state and federal regulations and recommendations concerning the Y2K issue. These recommendations encompass various measures such as acquiring a copy of the "Approach to the Y2K Problem" provided by the federal government. The approach outlines a strategy and requires a comprehensive assessment of all potentially affected systems. A designated leader should form a team to address the identified problems.

The team needs to assess and prioritize potential problems and create a list of all assessments made. This will lead them to the testing phase, where they should make corrections and conduct a reassessment. Utilities are only a small part of the overall testing process.

Utility companies are investing over $2 billion to conduct tests, prepare their computers, and replace software to successfully address the Y2K challenge. Currently, there is no indication that the Y2K issue will lead to power outages in the nationwide electrical power-service grid. In order to assess how utilities will handle a simulation of the Y2K scenario, electric companies are planning a dress rehearsal in September 1999. The problem of equipment and computers with date-sensitive components being unable to distinguish the correct year after 2000 is now widely acknowledged and recognized. Starting in 1996, the utility company Cinergy took proactive measures by thoroughly reviewing millions of lines of computer software application code to identify and rectify date-sensitive fields.

The majority of that code has been reviewed, corrected, tested, and restored to operation. All remaining systems are on track to be completed by March, 1999. Like other owners of information systems, Cinergy will need to make significant

changes to its systems to comply with new local, state, and federal requirements resulting from the Y2K issue. In 1997, Cinergy incurred costs of around $8 million. Maintenance or modification expenses will be taken care of as they arise, while the expenses for new software will be recorded as assets and spread over the software's useful life. For instance, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECo) encountered significant issues with its energy management system (EMS) as identified by the Y2K project team.

EMS, or the "brain" of electric companies' power distribution system, is responsible for remotely controlling transmission system breakers, managing power generation schedules, compensating for transmission line breaks, and safeguarding against voltage, current, and frequency disturbances. HECo and their EMS system vendor foresaw a crash of the EMS when transitioning to January 1, 2000. This would have led to the collapse of HECo's transmission network and consequently caused a widespread power outage, resulting in a complete loss of generating capacity.

In addition to medical devices, embedded chips are also found in other critical equipment that is used in patient services or hospital operations. The responsibility for maintaining these systems often lies with the vendor rather than the hospital. The equipment includes 1) fire alarm systems, which consist of detection, sending/receiving, and suppression units, 2) security systems, which include sending/receiving units, video and surveillance systems, and badge readers, 3) telecommunications equipment, including telephone switching equipment, emergency call management systems, pagers, and cellular phones, 4) building infrastructure, which comprises HVAC, energy management and lighting controls, emergency generators and lighting, uninterruptible power supplies, and elevators. Major Hospital is one of many healthcare providers worldwide that are committed to minimizing any malfunctions related

to the Y2K problem. Gas companies are communicating with their suppliers and service providers to assess the progress of their year 2000 compliance projects and will create backup plans if necessary.

A prioritized inventory of computer systems, embedded systems, and resources has been created for gas companies. These companies anticipate completing testing and necessary modifications to systems by July 1999. Major Hospital relies on gas for heating and lab equipment, but in the event of a gas outage, gasoline-powered electric generators will take over and run most systems. Wastewater and sewage treatment facilities have highly automated systems that contain embedded chips vulnerable to the year 2000 issue. Additionally, emissions monitoring and control systems rely on year 2000-vulnerable embedded controls.

Y2K issues could cause malfunctions that may result in accidental releases and emissions of pollutants, putting local residents at risk. In August 1998, a malfunctioning computer in Boulder, Colorado, caused water main breaks that disrupted service to more than 40 homes. This led to flooded basements and garages, and turned city streets into fast-flowing rivers. The problem occurred when a computer responsible for regulating water pressure provided inaccurate readings, leading a city worker to open the water mains. As a result, certain residents and businesses were left without water for over a week.

Major Hospital staff have taken precautions for a potential water scarcity by obtaining an adequate supply of bottled water, in line with other hospitals. Nonetheless, the reliance on bottled water is temporary and in the case of an extended water shortage, similar to the situation in Boulder, Major Hospital employees will encounter challenges regarding personal hygiene and medication. It is imperative to ensure patients receive daily

baths and thorough rinses despite the circumstances.

Hospitals are often perceived as unsanitary places where doctors rigorously wash their hands to prevent infections and patients must be kept germ-free. Sometimes, medications are prepared by mixing them with water. This issue might concern patients who rely on these medicines. The sewage treatment plant in Shelbyille, Indiana, which serves Major Hospital, has confirmed that it is already compliant with the Y2K requirements.

The faculty and staff at Major Hospital are confident that when the new millennium arrives, there will be no significant problems or catastrophes related to malfunctioning utilities. If any issues arise, Major Hospital has assured its community and patients that they will promptly and effectively handle them. As discussed in this report, the Y2K problem is a complex issue that hospitals must deal with. It affects virtually every aspect of hospital care, including patient care, clerical software, and utilities. Failure to address Y2K compliance in these areas could result in confusion, illness, and even death among hospital patients.

The worst-case scenarios for the Y2K problem include malfunctioning pacemakers, improper medication dispensing, and unusable defibrillators during emergencies. The staff at Major Hospital, like other hospitals, is diligently working to minimize any malfunctions that occur. The severity of the Y2K problem and related malfunctions is challenging to predict, especially when experts have differing opinions. Alastair Stewart, a senior advisor with Giga Information Group, believes that the Y2K computer bug will not lead to a catastrophic event as some feared. He states, "It may rain, but the sky won't fall." Giga Information Group has called for a sensible approach to the Y2K threat.

Some projections suggest that Y2K failures could lead to

the collapse of civilization. One scenario involves railroads failing to transport coal to power generation plants due to malfunctions in embedded track switching controls. Consequently, electric utilities, which also have their own Y2K issues, will be forced to shut down. The failure of the power grid will result in the loss of telephone services. Without communication, interlinked banks and international finance structures will start to crumble, leading to the ultimate downfall of civilization.

"Can you hear the four horsemen galloping off in the distance?" remarked Stewart. "It's easy to scare people with talk about The Great God Teowawki." "Teowawki" stands for "the end of the world as we know it," Stewart explained. Just as some downplay potential Y2K problems, others offer substantial evidence that the Y2K problem is for real. Mike Wedland, a noted software expert and author of numerous computer software guides, produces the following examples for consideration: U.S. Social Security computer programmers have identified 30 million lines of code that need to be changed to reflect the correct date after the year 2000. Some 400 programmers have been working on this problem since 1991.

As of June 1997, only 5 million lines had been corrected, out of the identified 100 million lines of code that need to be changed by the Internal Revenue Service to fix Y2K problems in their computers. Additionally, they have only managed to find around 300 programmers and are just beginning the process. Furthermore, approximately 65 percent of the U.S businesses that need to address this issue have taken no action thus far. Regardless of whether the Y2K problem is overhyped or potentially catastrophic, hospitals must prepare for the worst. Unlike

businesses focused on profits and stocks, hospitals prioritize their operations around human beings.

When it comes to people's health and lives, it is important to take a proactive and cautious approach. It seems that the majority of hospitals in the United States are fully aware of the risks associated with not being Y2K compliant and are taking appropriate measures to address the issue. Word Count: 3352