Trends in Healthcare Information Technology

Trends in Healthcare Information Technology

In history, we’ve seen technological advancements serve one purpose initially before finding other applications. The internet, for instance, was created for research but became vital for work and entertainment. Technology is a driving force in healthcare information. Informaticists track trends to see how new technology or repurposed tech can benefit healthcare.

In this discussion, you’ll ponder your healthcare organization’s tech use and share a technology trend you’ve noticed.

To Get Ready:

1. Think about digital information tools and technology resources.
2. Consider your healthcare organization’s tech use to manage and share information.
3. Reflect on current and potential trends like social media, mobile apps, telehealth, IoT-enabled asset tracking, and AI, and their impact on nursing and healthcare.

By Day 3 of Week 6

Share a brief description of healthcare technology trends, especially those related to data/information in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Mention potential challenges and benefits of these trends, focusing on data safety, legislation, and patient care. Explain which healthcare tech trends seem most promising for nursing practice and why. Discuss how this promise can enhance patient care, efficiency, and data management.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly boosted the use of telehealth. Social distancing changed how we see healthcare. Telehealth offers care through various tech systems like phones and video calls. In my CVICU work, pre-operative workups have shifted to telehealth for many patients. However, older patients face challenges with this tech. They might struggle to use it or worry about their health data security.

Data breaches and unauthorized access are risks with telehealth. But it also offers real-time interaction with medical staff, saving time and cost. New laws even allow the use of popular video chat apps, making telehealth more accessible.

I find the electronic health record (EHR) promising. It’s a digital patient record, improving data access and organization. EHRs enhance patient care, efficiency, and data management.

References:

Cimperman, M., Brenčič, M. M., Trkman, P., & Stanonik, M. D. L. (2013). Older Adults’ Perceptions of Home Telehealth Services. Telemedicine and E-Health, 19(10), 786–790.

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.).

Telehealth.HHS.gov. (2021, May 19). What is telehealth? Healthcare Information Technology Trends Essay.

By Day 6 of Week 6

Reply to at least two colleagues on two different days, sharing alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to their observations.

Telemetry was a challenge for me in nursing school too, and it’s great that you work in the intensive care cardiac unit. I wonder if some of your patients used telehealth for home cardiac monitoring before surgery. There’s a study on using telehealth for infants with complex congenital heart disease, but the results didn’t show significant improvements.

The Expanded Telehealth Access Act is crucial, especially during the pandemic. Many seniors living at home were at high risk, and telehealth provided a lifeline. However, seniors often struggle with technology. Some community colleges, like Randolph Community College, are offering courses to teach basic computer skills to seniors, which can be a game-changer.

References:

Floyd, C. (2021, April 17). Community college teaching seniors basic computer skills. Spectrum News 1.

Medoff Cooper, B., Marino, B. S., Fleck, D. A., Lisanti, A. J., Golfenshtein, N., Ravishankar, C., . . . Curley, M. A. (2020). Telehealth Home Monitoring and Postcardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatrics.

(2021, March 23). REPRESENTATIVES SHERRILL, MCKINLEY REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO INCREASE ACCESS TO TELEHEALTH SERVICES. States News Service.