Healthcare Information Technology Trends

Answer

Healthcare Information Technology Trends

            Technology plays an important role in the healthcare setting. Adoption of technology continues to grow with time. It is used in most processes such as data monitoring, patient registration, running and monitoring of self-care tools, transmission of lab test results, and in sharing of information among healthcare providers. The scope of this essay includes discussion of healthcare technologies that they are in use in my organization, associated benefits and risks, and an overview of health technology trends. The healthcare industry will continue relying heavily on technology in the future.

Healthcare technologies that I have observed being implemented and currently in use in my healthcare organization include electronic health record (EHR) system, mHealth, and telehealth. The EHR system is used to document, store and share patient information including medical history, medications, diagnoses, allergies, immunization dates, laboratory/test results, and radiology images. In addition, EHR system provides healthcare providers in the organization with access to evidence-based resources and has supported automation and streamlining of workflows. I have observed that mHealth connects healthcare providers in the organization, and allows for making of orders. It also facilitates documentation, provides access to evidence-based resources, and allows for active engagement of patients in care.  Telehealth helps my healthcare organization access healthcare experts given the shortage of experts in the facility. In addition, it helps patients spend less, hence reducing the cost of healthcare for patients.

            EHR has certain inherent challenges or risks and benefits. The EHR system stands a risk of cyber-attacks, which may cause functional errors and make it inoperable (Raposo, 2015).  On the other hand, the benefits of EHR system include improvement of data safety by allowing access of patient information to only authorized persons, improvement of patient safety through reducing the risk of medication errors and protection of healthcare providers from lawsuits (Raposo, 2015).  In addition, EHR data can be used by clinical researchers to identify issues associated with patient care and safety as well as conducting evaluations of healthcare delivery outcomes (Russo et al., 2016). However, the EHR system’s big data may be accessed by hackers. Hacking may lead to breach of confidentiality and privacy of patient records. If an EHR system is not used properly, it may increase the risk of judicial liability to the healthcare providers (Raposo, 2015).

            mHealth is an example of emerging healthcare technology trend with associated challenges and benefits. The benefits of mHealth include improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare provision, improved quality of healthcare delivery, low error-rate in documentation of patient data, and promotion of data safety in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (Gurupur & Wan, 2017).  However, personal health information may be accessed by other third party through the patient’s devices if the patient does not secure their passwords or devices appropriately. Similarly, use of unsecured wireless networks to transmit patient records by healthcare providers may lead to lawsuits if it such acts amounts to breath of HIPAA legislation. Cyber criminals may use personal health information for extortion or other criminal activities (Gurupur & Wan, 2017).

            The major challenges affecting adoption telehealth include limited access and heavy reliance on information and communication technology, which is costly to put in place. Several benefits that can be realized from the use of telehealth services include distant face-to-face video consultations, secure communications between healthcare providers and patients, and improved access to specialty care (Almathami, Win, & Vlahu-Gjorgievska, 2020).  The system supports expansion of healthcare services as stipulated in the Affordable Care Act. However, there are wide variation of regulations, rules and practice guidelines associated with utilization of telehealth services.  Variability of rules and regulations from state to state causes confusion among nurse practitioners. Other disadvantages include potential for technical problems, limited physical examination, industry and regulation barriers and security breaches (Balestra, 2017).

Certain healthcare technology trends have a great potential of impacting nursing practice in a positive manner. The EHR systems will continue to play an important role in nursing practice. It will remain the major healthcare technology in use currently and into the immediate future. Many healthcare organizations will continue adopting the HER system to improve patient outcomes, performance, and workflow processes (Raposo, 2015; Russo et al., 2016). On the other the hand, cloud computing technology and advancement in technology may help improve popularity of mHealth and its safety (Gurupur & Wan, 2017).  Adoption and use of telehealth services is also projected to grow in the immediate future. E-consultation provided by telemedicine will help improve access to specialty care for patients at their local area, thus eliminating the need to travel great distances to access specialty care (Almathami, Win, & Vlahu-Gjorgievska, 2020). Balestra (2017) adds that telehealth is a fast growing trend in healthcare that has the potential of saving on healthcare costs, improving access to care, and promoting achievement of better outcomes.  Other trends include increased utilization of call-in services, improved surveillance of diseases, and web-based healthcare services (Mitchell & Kan, 2019). Internet-of-things is another promising technology that can involve use smart beds that can detect occupied and unoccupied beds at a particular time. It can also include utilization of connected medication dispensers at home to help in medication administration; thus, preventing medication errors (Laplante et al., 2018).

            Advancement in healthcare technology has the potential to improve data management, patient care outcomes and improve efficiency of healthcare delivery. Digital health is characterized by profound effects on the healthcare system as a whole. It is enhanced delivery of person-centered health care. Utilization of telemedicine services can increase in the future for provision of diagnostic and treatment services. Personalized data promotes delivery of patient-centered care (Mitchell & Kan, 2019). Digital health also provides for quick to access, searchable, and verifiable records about deaths, births, and health encounters. Heath care managers can utilize health technology to manage human and financial resources (Mitchell & Kan, 2019). Technology has also been described as a major influence for increased emphasis for the protection of patient data and patient’s privacy (McLaughlin, 2017).

            In conclusion, technologies that I have observed in my organization include an EHR system, mHealth, and telehealth. Cost is a major barrier for implementation of various technologies. However, upon implementation, technological tools are known to help reduce the cost of care for patients as well as promote improvement of care quality and safety. Lastly, digital health may help resolve issues faced by the healthcare system such as shortage of expert personnel since it enables patients to access expertise services without the need to travel.