Answer

Contents

1     Introduction. 2

2     Health Benefits of Information Technology. 3

2.1      Mobile phone apps. 4

3     Dangers of Information Technology. 5

3.1      Radiation from Computers: 5

3.2      Computer-Induced Insomnia. 6

3.3      Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). 6

3.4      Health Hazards of Smartphones and Handheld Devices. 8

3.5      Environmental Pollution. 9

3.6      Other Health Hazards of Information Technology. 9

3.6.1       Neurosis. 10

3.6.2       Addiction. 11

3.6.3       Loss of Hearing. 11

4     Conclusion. 12

5     References. 13

Health Implications of Information Technology

Introduction

The shift in workplace policies towards the creation of smart companies has entrenched Information Technology in workplace systems and processes. As a result, Rainer, Cegielski, Splettstoesser-Hogeterp & Sanchez-Rodriguez (2013) opine that processes at the work place are reaching for optimization through efficient information flow, data security, and effective information management systems. Consequently, information technology structures communication, aids data flow to appropriate personnel, supports innovation by providing new and efficient ways of achieving organizational goals, accelerates information processing and hence decision-making, thereby proving indispensable in today’s work place.

The heath environment presents a unique set of challenges that demand responses on the part of information systems professionals by way of retooling and customization, so as to fully tap into its attendant benefits. From the use of customized hospital management systems, to the full implementation of the Hospital Information Technology (Health IT) proposed in certain jurisdictions such as the United States, information technology continues to impact healthcare in a  positive yet unprecedented ways (Cegielski, Splettstoesser-Hogeterp & Sanchez-Rodriguez, 2013).

Health Benefits of Information Technology

Information technology has enhanced access to vital information regarding healthcare through electronic medical records (EMR). Through Health information technology (Health IT), a relatively new disciplinary construct that defines protocols for efficient exchange of health information via electronic media, it is envisaged that health IT principles will improve overall quality of healthcare by streamlining health records acquisition, storage, dissemination, and use through digitization (Buntin, Burke, Hoaglin, & Blumenthal, 2011). The net effect of these initiatives is reduced healthcare costs, increased administrative efficiencies, increased access to affordable healthcare, and decreased paperwork.

In addition, the EMR initiative will provide structured response to patient’s needs by ensuring that only authorized personnel access and act upon patients’ data. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) will also aid doctors in coordinating care through timely retrieval of patient’s data such as blood group, prescribed drugs, and other aspects of health history (Buntin, Burke, Hoaglin, & Blumenthal, 2011). EHRs rely on available data to efficiently determine necessity of tests and procedures, hence reducing incidences of errors. Further, electronic health records have helped erase drawbacks associated with physically filling forms during each hospital visit. This reduces the likelihood of errors should the patient forget other details. Buntin, Burke, Hoaglin, & Blumenthal (2011) further posit that health history is also preserved and accessible long after a doctor has closed practice, died, or retired. Additionally, it facilitates treatment across all health facilities which have implemented the electronic health records protocol. This is especially welcome during emergency responses.

In order to reap maximum benefits, policy makers and stakeholders must address security and privacy concerns as the information is exclusively managed and transmitted via electronic media exemplified by mobile phone applications.    

Mobile Phone Apps

It is estimated that the world’s 7 billion inhabitants own 5 billion mobile phones between them (Handel, 2011). The proliferation of mobile phones and handheld devices points to a future where the number of mobile phones will outstrip the number of users. Apart from penetration rates, another undeniable fact is that mobile phones have done much more than revolutionize communication (Kratzke & Cox, 2012). For instance, mobile phones with basic capabilities have been used for rudimentary functions such as sending text messages to pregnant women on maternal health, reminding patients of their next visit, or medication, and containing the spread of diseases through tracking. According to Kratzke & Cox (2012), information technology has also made a mark in the mobile applications sphere in significant ways. From facilitating doctors’ appointments to interactive Q&A through real-time interaction with a doctor, stress check applications to blood donation applications, these applications employ interactive user interfaces and suave systems integration capabilities that enable patients to have greater flexibility and control (Wei, Hollin & Kachnowski, 2011). 

Still, on the African continent, the mobile phone has been the subject of recent success stories in healthcare intervention. In 2009, some African techies had made a microscope out of a mobile phone. By adding an inexpensive lens and eyepiece, the result was a simple microscope capable of diagnosing malaria and tuberculosis (Wei, Hollin & Kachnowski, 2011). Drawing inspiration from this invention, scientists have succeeded in providing health solutions with far more sophisticated capabilities. At the electrical engineering department of the University College of Los Angeles (UNCLA), for instance, tiny attachments have been made which turn mobile phones into diagnostic marvels for detecting E.coli and common allergens. The phone is also specially adapted to interact with the google map server to help epidemiologists to map spread of disease (Handel, 2011).

Dangers of Information Technology

            Information technology unpacks great benefits in the workplace and specifically healthcare by improving overall efficiency as already discussed. However, when abused or incorrectly put to use, these systems can adversely impact social, mental, physical, and environmental health. Identifying these adversities, therefore, remains a priority for stakeholders, as it forms the basis for entrenching information technology in our collective psyche, without the negative effects. The major negative health implications of Information Technology are elucidated in the paragraphs that follow:

Radiation from Computers:

Laptop radiation has been labelled as an invisible threat to the health of its users. When in use, different components of the computer motherboard heat up, emitting infrared radiation in the process. Granted, laptops emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) while in use, but when other applications such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless cellular are included in the overall matrix, then higher frequency Radio Frequency (RF) radiation come into play. Exposure to these ionizing radiations can cause soft tissue damage, especially around the genitals, skin, and muscles. Incidentally, the intensity of radiation is elevated when using old computers.

Computer-Induced Insomnia

Demands of everyday life prompt people to extend work settings beyond the office. Similarly, behaviors associated with modernity such as playing computer games or completing tasks on a computer just before bedtime may induce insomnia, keeping people awake long after the computer is shut down. According to Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos (2011), exposure to computer backlight may affect the body’s biological clock by moderating the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Researchers concur that exposure to light cause a decline in melatonin production, leading to sleep deprivation.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).

Repetitive strain injury generally refers to health complications and pain in muscles, nerves, tendons attributed to repetitive movement of hands, neck, and back. Prolonged computer use predisposes users to physical injuries often preceded by poor sitting postures and inappropriate layout of the workspace. Common injuries include posterior cervical dorsal syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, lumbar sprains and strains just to mention a few. The posterior cervical dorsal syndrome is an aggregation of defects associated with excessive pressure on lower, middle and upper back from prolonged sitting during computer use. Common challenges associated with these defects include headaches, chronic muscle strain in the neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, and legs. Further, computer-induced postural defects may result in joint dysfunction, and sprains around the neck, back, and ribs, impaired diaphragm function as breathing muscles are strained.

Continued computer use may also result in nerve compression injuries, a condition specifically referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition typically arises from compression of the median nerve and is the most common RSI condition. Common symptoms include tingling and numbness of fingers, awkward hand movements, and night pain.

Tennis elbow, a common antecedent of elbow and forearm discomfort, is an inflammation of the tendons affecting the outside of the elbow. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, it is known to be exacerbated by incessant finger movements and grasping typical of typing on a computer keyboard.

Other concomitants of computer use include lumbar sprains and strains, and disc injuries. Long hours spent sitting before a computer screen usually subjects employees to continuous loads on the spine. The affected areas, usually the back and hips, may develop sores, muscle ache and tightness. The latter, disc injuries, are usually conspicuously exemplified by sprained intervertebral discs. The said discs reeling under prolonged loading on the spine as people adopt wrong sitting positions, may be sprained resulting in out of place annular fibers. Herniation of the disc, often a chronic manifestation of the sprained disc, may follow if not attended to, culminating in back pain, leg pain, weakness, difficulty in walking, or an aggregation of all of the above.

Health Hazards of Smartphones and Handheld Devices

Apart from laptop computers and desktops, human interaction with information technology has been made possible through smartphones and other handheld devices (HHDs). Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos (2011) concur that the use of microchip technologies, internet connections, and sophisticated computing capabilities such as e-commerce, e-mail, video streaming and calls, and information security and retrieval devices confer nearly the same benefits as computers. However, owing to the nature of radiation that mobile communication devices use – they use microwaves –there are concerns as to the possible effects of exposure both in the short-term and in the foreseeable future (Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos, 2011). Whereas the effect of exposure to mobile phone and HHD-induced electromagnetic radiation has not been proven, research work reveal undesirable and potentially fatal dangers that these devices pose, particularly to the upper extremities, back, and neck. Numerous studies now show a strong connection between regular phone usage and user’s physical state of health. Notably, some studies report complaints attributed to headache, tremors in the hand and fingers (Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos, 2011).  The challenges of mobile phone and HHD use are further enhanced by the lack of ergonometric benefits that desktop computers and laptops have: mobile phones and HHDs are designed to accommodate few peripherals such as batteries – if removable-, and earphones. Considering the fact that adoption of additional components such as user-friendly keypads, adjustable screen positioning capabilities and mouse are not achievable in the mobile smart devices, there are virtually no attainable ergonometric benefits (Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos, 2011). Considering this perspective, and the difficulties in maneuverability that these devices present, Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos (2011) state that symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders remain a key feature that call for appropriate interventions from medical professionals. Widespread use of HHDs continues to present other unique challenges too. For instance, the “texter’s thumb” or the hardening of the thumbs due to prolonged use in sending text messages has been identified as a key challenge. Similarly, neck pain, commonly referred to as “texter’s neck”, affects HHD users due to repeated poor positioning of the neck (Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos, 2011).

Environmental Pollution

With the ever increasing uptake of information technology products in society, new software versions are being churned out more rapidly than before. As a result, hardware manufacturers have to modify their products to keep up with these changes. Inevitably, this trend causes non-compliant hardware towards obsolescence. The e-waste thus generated continues to bear adversely on the environment, releasing hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. Additionally, the industrial plants that manufacture these components also emit toxic fumes that increase incidences of respiratory diseases and cancer (Ferreira, Dey & Kostakos, 2011). An awareness of effects of technology on the environment should be discussed and appropriate steps taken through legislation, policy responses, and vigilance from community members so as to forestall possible relapse.

Other Health Hazards of Information Technology

Information technology has permanently affected social interactions in virtually every conceivable way. For instance, the traditionally acknowledged brick and mortar model of business has been substituted with virtual or online business (Cegielski, Splettstoesser-Hogeterp & Sanchez-Rodriguez, 2013). Similarly, there are online stores, digital schools, libraries, clinics, that deliver services directly to customers’ rooms. Electronic payment platforms have also facilitated real-time business transactions, enabling customers to acquire goods and services without having to physically walk into a store, or carry cash around. D’Arcy, Gupta, Tarafdar, & Turel (2014) hold that the resultant sedentary lifestyle robs people of the much needed physical activity and exercises and is the leading cause of obesity and a host of non-communicable disease including diabetes and heart problems.

Tarafdar, Gupta & Turel (2013) further concur that the continued centrality of information technology to daily life – causing intrusion into private life, and fostering dependence for virtually every endeavor from work to entertainment – has dented social interactions, fostered a lack of social contact, and encouraged over-eating and sedentary lifestyle. These negative inclinations have been blamed for increased incidences of depression, drug addiction, and obesity just to mention (Tarafdar, Gupta, & Turel, 2013).

In recognition of the damage to social order attributed to technology addiction, schools and social institutions should perhaps consider designating technology free zones where social interactions can be encouraged.

Neurosis

Over-reliance on technology for all medical queries has been associated with neurosis, a medical condition characterized by anxiety, phobia, emotional and mental instability, and delusions. As people troop to the internet for disease diagnoses, they also erroneously infer positivity for strange diseases. For instance, it is not uncommon for internet users to consult WebMD as the first recourse, completely oblivious of the inherent dangers (Demirci, Akgönül, & Akpinar, 2015). Less dependence on the electronic devices could be a welcome step in pulling away from the destructive shackles of addition. Perhaps a self-sanctioned stay from all electronic gadgets could be a step towards recovery.

Addiction

A sudden withdrawal or loss of a mobile phone often results in confusion, fidgety responses, and restlessness. This basically underlies the problem of addiction. These unwelcome responses underpin the results of a study by Rosenberg (2013) which reveal the effects of loss of mobile phones on subjects. The study revealed that subjects are known to continuously reach for lost phones thinking that they are in their usual places. In busy organizations, operations are known to halt whenever computer systems experiencing downtime or some other problems. The trend is particularly worrisome because there are tasks which can be accomplished and information keyed in later when systems are restored.

Loss of Hearing

            Many phones and handheld devices have inbuilt sound systems that when plugged onto headphones or earphones, can offer entertainment for extended periods. In addition to the music component, the sound output systems of these gadgets are enhanced with amplification systems that generate sounds of greater intensities. The future cost of pounding high decibels into the eardrum may include future permanent hearing loss. 

Conclusion

Technology will continue to impact society for many years to come. A question worth pondering is not if the world should continue embracing information technology with its accompanying benefits or challenges, but rather, how the challenges facing consumers of information technology users can be mitigated. The benefits of information technology are immense. From the foregoing considerations, IT has rendered greater efficiency at work, bolstered the quality of life especially with the advent of Health IT discipline, and augmented mobile phones and HHDs functionalities that now include health directories among other benefits. On the flipside though, as already observed, are inherent dangers associated with information technology that should be moderated. A point worth noting in the furtherance of information technology and its accompanying benefits is the fact that the dangers of IT are exacerbated by behavioral responses such as irresponsible or improper use of gadgets.