Healthcare Information Technology Trends Sample 4

Healthcare Information Technology Trends Sample 4

Healthcare Information Technology Trends

In this era, technology and its advances have firmly entrenched themselves, and there is no turning back for those who may find navigating technology daunting. The introduction of electronic access to patient information has transformed the landscape of healthcare (Laureate Education Inc., 2018). Technological progress has not only led to improvements in the equipment utilized in healthcare but has also elevated the quality of care by yielding better patient outcomes, reducing errors, and enhancing overall quality of life. Laureate Education Inc. affirms that “patients can now access their medical history thanks to electronic medical records” (2018). This empowerment of patients extends to their active involvement in their healthcare, including accessing their medical records through a secure portal and experiencing less invasive surgical procedures that facilitate swifter recovery. These examples illustrate how technology has propelled advancements in healthcare provision.

Healthcare Technology Trends

Within my hospital, there exists a comprehensive embrace of technology, although it is worth noting that some of my colleagues exhibit varying degrees of proficiency with technology, while others actively avoid it. The decision-makers within my hospital have made the common choice of investing in technology to manage our electronic healthcare records, a practice prevalent in most healthcare institutions within my city. Technology has also become instrumental in conducting meta-analyses, and our nurse leaders employ scheduling software to create work schedules for our nursing staff. Communication within our healthcare setting is facilitated through email and mobile phones, enabling efficient coordination. In my specific work environment, I rely on healthcare technology extensively for daily tasks, particularly in accessing, analyzing, and presenting patient information. Among the technologies we employ, Electronic Health Records (EHR) stands out. EHRs enable us to access, share, and integrate up-to-date patient data, enabling us to deliver timely and organized care, minimize errors, ensure smoother transitions of care, and seamlessly incorporate these elements into our patients’ care plans. Looking ahead, there is a growing trend toward virtual communication with patients as a means to reduce in-patient visits. The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled many medical practices to embrace virtual communication, with video conferencing emerging as a user-friendly option for patients (Wong, 2021).

Potential Benefits and Risks Associated with Data Safety

One significant advantage offered by healthcare technology is the capacity to disseminate information globally, allowing patients to access their data from any location. However, with the extensive use of email and mobile applications for communication, there exists the risk of data reaching unintended recipients. To mitigate this risk, our email network and mobile applications employ robust encryption, and all information is marked as protected health information. While these security measures significantly reduce the likelihood of data breaches, it is important to acknowledge the potential for human errors, typographical mistakes, and unauthorized data access. It is essential to recognize that not all technology is infallible, necessitating the consistent application of safety protocols in healthcare technology usage. While technological advancements have brought numerous benefits to patient care practices, it is imperative not to become overly reliant on them to the detriment of other essential aspects of healthcare delivery.

Promising Healthcare Trend

The most promising healthcare technology trend poised to significantly impact nursing practice revolves around the development of a well-designed patient portal system capable of seamlessly integrating and communicating patient data across multiple platforms. Patient portals offer patients the opportunity to create personalized profiles of their care teams, fostering transparency and strengthening the patient-nurse relationship. Patients can actively participate in the development of their care plans and monitor their progress through these portals. Additionally, patient portals provide access to educational materials and support groups, reinforcing the educational aspects of care provided by the healthcare team. The introduction of bedside patient portals can enhance communication, further enrich the nurse-patient relationship, and facilitate more effective nursing care both during hospitalization and after discharge.

HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

It is evident that hospitals will need to make informed decisions regarding the selection of technology that aligns with their specific needs. Adequate training for staff on the use of technology, troubleshooting, and patient education will be crucial. Furthermore, addressing any technological glitches and providing formal education, video tutorials, and one-on-one training for patients will be imperative (Booth, 2021). While video conferencing holds promise in enhancing the quality of patient care and outcomes, it is essential to recognize that technology alone cannot eliminate communication errors. Hospitals must invest in training their staff to improve their communication skills, complementing the benefits offered by technology.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Electronic Records and Managing IT Change (Video file). Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from [Link](https://class.content.laureate.net/713521cc8e57f17a585752d83d12afb3.html

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Informatics Tools and Technologies (Video file). Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from [Link](https://class.content.laureate.net/713521cc8e57f17a585752d83d12afb3.html.

Booth, R., Strudwick, G., & Lopez, A. (June 2021). How the Nursing Profession Should Adapt to a Digital Future. Source DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.n1190.

Wong, A., Bhyat, R., & Appireddy, R. (January 2021). Patient Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Use of Virtual Care. Source DOI: 10.2196/20621.