Which of the following is a benefit of information technology in healthcare?

The choice of improving patient safety and financial management as the correct answer highlights the significant positive impacts that information technology has on healthcare. Information technology facilitates the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs), which streamline patient data management, reduce errors, and enhance communication among healthcare providers. When patient information is easily accessible and accurately maintained, the potential for mistakes decreases, directly contributing to better patient safety outcomes.

Moreover, IT solutions enable more effective financial management through efficient billing processes, cost tracking, and reporting. They allow healthcare facilities to manage their resources more effectively, potentially reducing costs and improving overall financial performance.

In contrast, the incorrect choices either imply a negative effect or an overly broad or unrealistic expectation. The idea that technology eliminates all manual processes is an exaggeration, as some manual tasks may still be necessary or even beneficial in certain situations. Similarly, increasing the need for paper documentation contradicts the goal of information technology, which aims to reduce reliance on paper by digitizing data. Thus, the answer emphasizes the crucial improvements that information technology can bring to the safety of patients and the efficiency of healthcare financial operations.