HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
COVID-19 created extensive disruption in healthcare services around the world, increasing the need for the use of technology. The pandemic triggered a demand for digital transformation in order to tend to patient needs. “Digital health incorporates the use of information technology, wearable devices, telehealth, mobile health and telemedicine to manage illnesses and health risks and to promote wellness” (Williams, 2022). Other healthcare technology trends include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, automated IV pumps, portable monitors and smart beds.
Challenges with incorporating technology in healthcare include security, integration and cost, data privacy and effectiveness and regulation of digital technologies. Being that more people are using mobile health apps “it is important for healthcare professionals to have the knowledge and skills to evaluate and recommend appropriate digital tools” (Skiba, 2017). Users must also have the knowledge and skills to use the apps successfully. In order to utilize technology, the user must have a cellphone suitable for video conferencing and a reliable internet connection.
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Mobile devices and apps have many benefits for both providers and patients. Apps that providers can use include drug reference guides, medical calculators, electronic prescribing, coding and billing, some apps are even able to perform hearing and vision test. Providers who use EPIC have instant access to patient information due to EPIC partnering with Apple, a version of EPIC can now be downloaded on an iPhone or iPad. Communication and collaboration amongst providers and other healthcare personnel is essential, “mobile devices satisfy this need by offering multiple means of communication including: voice and video calling, text, email, multimedia messaging and video conferencing” (Ventola, 2014) HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS.
Patients can use mobile apps to track vital signs, set reminders, monitor blood sugar levels, connect with their provider, online counseling, etc. Prescription alerts and medication adherence, immediate access to care, convenience and improved monitoring are just a few of the benefits for patient mobile health app use. For example, mySugr is an app for diabetic patients, with the app patients are able to set blood glucose reminders, check estimated A1C level, bolus calculator, automatic data import with blood glucose meter, daily, weekly and monthly reports to share with their provider, meal shots to improve carb counting and so much more.
Risk involved with using mobile health apps include patient privacy, mobile screen size, internet connection, the user’s ability to use the app correctly and resistance from older providers who are not tech savvy. It is imperative that patients who utilize these apps keep their phone protected. Some of the apps have a monthly or yearly subscription, therefore it is important for providers to ensure that the patient can afford it before making recommendations.
Telehealth has a promising impact in nursing practice. With telehealth providers are able to connect with patients using audio and video technology. Care and resources can be provided to patients who live in rural areas or areas with physician shortage; it can overall reduce wait times and patient travel while improving access to and quality of care. Providers are able to potentially diagnose and treat and monitor a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
Telehealth helps improve patient outcomes because video conferencing is an easy way for patients to comply with follow up appointments, contact their provider about side effects or prescription renewals, remove barriers to mental health treatment and follow up after hospitalization. Patients are able to voice their concerns and complaints comfortably without office distractions. Patients who are potentially contagious will not expose others and immunocompromised patients aren’t exposed to viruses and infectious diseases.
References
Dr. Nicola Williams, P.D. (2022, March 22).
How has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Adoption of Digital Health Technology?
https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-has-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-Impacted-the-Adoption-of-Digital-Health-Technology.aspx
Links to an external site.
Skiba, D. (2017).
Evaluation tools to appraise social media and mobile applications Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
.
Informatics, 4
(3), 32–40.
Ventola C. L. (2014).
Mobile devices and apps for health care professionals: uses and benefits. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management
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39
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HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
Throughout history, technological advancements have appeared for one purpose before finding applications elsewhere that lead to spikes in its usage and development. The internet, for example, was originally developed to share research before becoming a staple of work and entertainment. But technology—new and repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driver of healthcare information. Informaticists often stay tuned to trends to monitor what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing technology can benefit outcomes.
In this Discussion, you will reflect on your healthcare organization’s use of technology and offer a technology trend you observe in your environment.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To Prepare:
Reflect on the Resources related to digital information tools and technologies.
Consider your healthcare organization’s use of healthcare technologies to manage and distribute information.
Reflect on current and potential future trends, such as use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 6
Post
a brief description of
general healthcare technology trends
, particularly related to data/information you have observed in use in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Describe any potential challenges or risks that may be inherent in the technologies associated with these trends you described. Then, describe at least one potential benefit and one potential risk associated with data safety, legislation, and patient care for the technologies you described. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe are most promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing practice and explain why. Describe whether this promise will contribute to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data management. Be specific and provide examples.
BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 6
Respond
to at least
two
of your colleagues
* on two different days
, offering additional/alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to the observations shared
.
Healthcare Information Technology Trends
The most prominent example of healthcare technology trends is the use of electronic medical records (EMR). The use of electronic medical records improves patient care and outcomes; it allows for data collection and analysis, which will improve patient care over time. An electronic medical record is a secure real-time patient chart in electronic form. It is a chart that can easily be accessed by authorized personnel where all of the patient’s cumulative medical information is stored such as vital sign trends, medical history, medication allergies, prescriptions, procedures and so much more(“What is an electronic health record (HER)? | HealthIT.gov,” 2019). In my hospital almost all of the patient charts are on an (EMR) and can be accessed by staff in multiple departments and units all at the same time, medical professionals can add to the electronic medical records as the patient’s care progresses and are able to be recalled in following visits. I work for a private organization where most of the primary physicians or follow-up care are provided by physicians that are a part of the medical group so the patient visits a provider after a hospital stay. The provider can easily access the medical records from their office by logging on to the secure system.
The challenges that I have seen with our facility and the utilization of electronic medical records are the use of multiple systems used between the departments. LDRP uses Centricity, ER is using Medi Tech while the inpatient units are using Micro medics there are also the Microsoft portions, and the Cath lab and OR use a separate charting system. I have access to all the systems, but most medical professionals only have access to the charting systems they work based on the departments they work in. Some risks I have spoken about in the previous post are the risk of cyber-attacks. Our hospital was a victim of having their medical records held at ransom. Luckily, there was no privacy breach at the tie, but it changed how we view electronic medical records (Baker, 2016). If there is a loss of power or computer malfunctions, we cannot only access the medical records, the test cannot be ordered, and the results cannot be viewed. We have mandatory downtimes once a month, and during that time, we are not able to utilize the electronic medical records, so we have to use paper charting and then scan the charts into the electronic medical records when the system comes back up.
Patients are utilizing the electronic medical charting system to keep track of their healthcare records; they can access their medical records anywhere from their phones (Skiba, 2017). A great example is one of the children I have requires many specialty visits at Loma Linda children’s hospital and every time is seeing a provider they ask for any updates on care that the baby has gotten, I can pull up on my phone the MYCHART app, and I have all of his medical information from labs to procedures and everything else right there on my phone (My Chart, n.d.). A second would be telemedicine, which is growing in the healthcare setting quickly since the pandemic presented itself at the beginning of the year. Telemedicine allows for access to providers that would usually not be accessed, for example, in my hospital mental health telemedicine. During this time, it allows for decreased contact between humans, decreasing the risk of transmission of COVID- 19 (Phillips et al., 2020).
I believe strongly that the benefits outweigh the risks of having electronic medical records. I personally know through my work that I can provide better treatment for my patients when I can quickly log onto a computer and access their medical information rather than running around looking for a hard chart and navigating through it to find the information in hopes that the lab results and such have made it to the chart. I can quickly trend a patient’s care by easily having access to previous visits allowing for optimal treatment. I also know on a personal level that having electronic medical records that I can easily access allows me to seek treatment for my children without having to run around and collect medical records from different offices Healthcare Information Technology Trends.
Reference
Baker, P. (2016, March 23). Desert Valley hospital hacked by ransomware.vvdailypress.com.https://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20160323/NEWS/160329900
MyChart. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/mychart#:~:text=MyChart%20is%20a%20secure%2C%20online%20health%20management%20tool,test%20results%2C%20including%20labs%2C%20radiology%2C%20procedures%2C%20and%20pathology
Phillips, T., Munn, A., & George, T. (2020, May 6).Assessing the impact of telehealth objective structured…: Nurse educator.LWW.https://journals.lww.com/nurseeducatoronline/FullText/2020/05000/Assessing_the_Impact_of_Telehealth_Objective.23.aspx
Skiba, D. (2017, September 15).Evaluation tools to appraise social media and mobile applications. MDPI.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/4/3/32
What is an electronic health record (EHR)? | HealthIT.gov. (2019, September 10). ONC | Office of the National Coordinator for Health InformationTechnology.https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS SAMPLE 3
Healthcare Information Technology Trends
The healthcare sector is undergoing a technological transformation to adapt to the problems of the twenty-first century. Technology can help healthcare organizations operate more efficiently and provide better patient care while also helping them fulfil the growing demand. Most healthcare organizations have adopted healthcare information technology (HIT), but there are still several issues, possible advantages, and dangers connected to data security, laws, and patient care.
Healthcare Information Technology in My Healthcare Organization
My workplace in the healthcare institution has seen the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) systems to store a large amount of patient data (HealthIT.gov., 2019). Because obtaining patient data is so direct, the technology has boosted treatment effectiveness while greatly reducing workload. However, I have seen that using EHR causes sluggish data entry. Notably, inputting data into an EHR requires a significant amount of typing, which reduces physician productivity. I have also seen concerns with the device’s usability. EHRs, in particular, are not available at the bedside or anywhere else a clinician requires them, which greatly slows down workflow.
Potential EHR Challenges in Terms of Safety, Legislation, And Patient Care
EHRs have several advantages and risks in patient care, data security, and the law. The system’s ability to securely share electronic information with other professionals and patients is a noteworthy benefit connected to data security (HealthIT.gov., 2018). However, when accessed by an unauthorized person, EHR also presents a risk of a data breach (HealthIT.gov., 2019). Identity theft may be committed with such data Healthcare Information Technology Trends.
Regarding the law, the Health Information Technology for Electronic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 compelled the switch to EHR, improving patient care by giving doctors rapid access to patient data needed for better diagnosis and patient outcomes (Adler-Milstein & Jha, 2017). However, the law risks interfering with providers’ workflows and short-term productivity losses. In inpatient care, EHR improves the capacity to identify sickness and reduces or even prevents medical errors, improving patient outcomes (Mcgonigle & Mastrian, 2021). Nevertheless, it is important to remember that as EHR capabilities advance, more complicated software is required, which raises the risk of software failures that could jeopardize patient safety. A software malfunction may negatively impact an immense number of patients in an EHR that houses patients’ medical records, such as a bug that results in erroneous reporting of patients’ prescriptions or allergies.
Most Promising Healthcare Technology Developments for Influencing Healthcare Technology in Nursing Practice
Moreover, some of the most promising medical technology advancements for improving nursing practice include using electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. These technologies enhance nurse-to-nurse communication, increase patient access to care, and enhance patient outcomes. EHRs can enhance the flow of information between nurses and other healthcare professionals, expand patient access to care, and enhance patient outcomes (Mcgonigle & Mastrian, 2021). For example, nurses might use telehealth to assist patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty accessing treatment. Nurses can use electronic health records to maintain track of their patients’ prescriptions, allergies, and medical histories. A nurse can provide telehealth services to patients who live in a remote area or have trouble receiving treatment by establishing a phone or computer connection with them. After that, the nurse can answer any patient’s queries and give them health information and advice.
Contribution to Better Patient Outcomes, Efficiency, and Data Management
One of the main benefits of mobile health applications is improved data management. Patients and medical professionals can easily track and manage medical data using a mobile health app. It could lead to more complete and accurate medical records. Additionally, mobile health apps help you spend less time on administrative tasks like scheduling and paying (Atarodi & Atarodi, 2019). Another benefit of mobile health apps is increased effectiveness. The use of mobile health apps can automate tasks and reminders. Both patients and medical professionals may benefit from time savings in this. Also, mobile health apps can help patients take a more proactive approach to their health by giving them easy access to resources and tools. Notably, patient outcomes can be improved with the aid of mobile health apps. Mobile health apps can help patients, and their caregivers communicate better by providing easy access to health information and tools. Mobile health apps can also help individuals manage their conditions more effectively.
Conclusion
To meet the difficulties of the twenty-first century, the healthcare organizations are undergoing a technological change. As result, healthcare organizations are employing technology to increase productivity, provide better patient care, and satisfy rising demand. Electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications are some of the most promising developments in medical technology for enhancing nursing practice. With the help of these technologies, nurse-to-nurse contact is improved, and patients have better access to care and better outcomes. Notably, EHRs have the capacity to improve communication between nurses and other healthcare providers, increase patient access to care, and improve patient outcomes.
References
Adler-Milstein, J., & Jha, A. K. (2018). HITECH Act Drove Large Gains in Hospital Electronic Health Record Adoption.
Health Affairs
,
36
(8), 1416–1422.
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1651
Links to an external site.
Mcgonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2021).
Nursing Informatics and The Foundation of Knowledge.
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Radanović, I., & Likić, R. (2018). Opportunities for the use of Blockchain Technology in Medicine.
Applied Health Economics and Health Policy
,
16
(5), 583–590.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40258-018-0412-8
Links to an external site.
Atarodi, A., & Atarodi, A. (2019). The impact of information technology on health.
Journal of Research and Health
,
9
(3), 193–194. https://doi.org/10.29252/jrh.9.3.193
HealthIT.gov. (2019, September 10).
What is an electronic health record (EHR)?
Healthit.gov.
https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
Links to an external site.
HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS SAMPLE 4
Discussion:
Healthcare Information Technology Trends
Technology and technological advances are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and there is no going back for those uncomfortable with navigating technology. Electronic access to patient information changes how healthcare is practiced (Laureate Education Inc., 2018). The advancement of technology has not only improved the equipment we use in healthcare, but it has also improved the way care is provided by enhancing better patient outcomes, minimizing errors, and improving quality of life. Laureate Education Inc. stated, “patients now have access to their health history because of electronic medical records” (2018). Patients are more involved in their care, such as having access to their medical portal and surgeries becoming less invasive, resulting in quicker recovery. These examples are how technology has advanced care provision.
Healthcare Technology Trends
My hospital has embraced technology as a whole, but I have co-workers who could be better with technology and others who avoid technology at any cost. My hospital’s decision-makers purchased technology to manage our electronic healthcare records, which is the norm around most hospitals in my city. The use of technology to conduct meta-analyses is lovely. Our nurse leaders also use scheduling software to make the schedules for our nursing staff, and the nurse leaders use email and cell phones to communicate with each nurse for confirmation. Also, at the facility I work, I utilize healthcare technology to access, analyze, and display patient information daily. One of the technologies we utilize is Electronic Health Records. With the use of the electronic health record (EHR), we can access, share, and incorporate up-to-date patient information, provide care in a timely and organized manner, reduce mistakes, smoother transition continuation of care, and incorporate all these into the plan of care for our patients. In the future, hospitals will communicate more virtually with patients to decrease the number of in-patients. COVID-19 has forced many medical practices to use virtual communication, and video conferencing can be easy for patients to set up and join (Wong, 2021) Healthcare Information Technology Trends.
Potential Benefits and Risk associated with data safety
One potential benefit we have with healthcare technology is the ability to share information anywhere, and patients can access their information anywhere they may be. With the massive quantity of communication shared via email and mobile applications, there is a risk that this information could contact the wrong recipient. Our email network and mobile applications are safely encrypted, and information is labeled as protected health information. Even though this additional protection level could stop a potential breach, there is always room for human error, spelling mistakes, and illegal information breaching. We cannot expect all technology to be error-proof, so we must be sure that we are always using safety methods with each healthcare technology. Even though we are provided several technological advances to enhance our patient care practices, we cannot become overly reliant on them to a fault.
Promising Healthcare Trend
The most promising healthcare technology trend that can significantly impact nursing practice is a well-designed patient portal system that can integrate and communicate patient data across multiple platforms. Patient portals can provide the patient with a personal profile of their care team. This can help strengthen the patient-nurse relationship and transparency between the patient and the care team. Patients can use the portal to be involved in developing their plan of care and trend progress. Links for educational material and support groups can be accessed on the patient portal and reinforce any care team’s educational teaching. Bedside patient portals can increase communication, enhance the nurse-patient relationship, and facilitate more effective nursing care during hospitalization and beyond discharge.
There is no doubt that hospitals will have to purchase the right technology for their needs, adequately train their staff on how to use the technology, remove bugs within the technology, and teach the patients how to use the technology through formal education, video tutorials, and one-on-one training (Booth, 2021). Video conferencing can improve the quality of patient care, patient outcomes, and the hospital’s bottom line. However, technology alone cannot solve communication errors, so hospitals will also have to invest in training their staff on techniques that can help them improve their communication skills.
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018).
Electronic Records and Managing IT Change
(Video file). Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from
https://class.content.laureate.net/713521cc8e57f17a585752d83d12afb3.html#section_container_20
Links to an external site.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018).
Informatics Tools and Technologies
(Video file). Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from
https://class.content.laureate.net/713521cc8e57f17a585752d83d12afb3.html#section_container
Links to an external site.
Booth, R., Strudwick, G., & Lopez, A. (June 2021). How the Nursing Profession Should Adapt to a Digital Future. Source DOI:
10.1136/BMJ.n1190
Links to an external site.
Wong, A., Bhyat, R., & Appireddy, R. (January 2021). Patient Care During the COVID-19
Pandemic: Use of Virtual Care. Source DOI:
10.2196/20621
Links to an external site.
Healthcare Information Technology Trends