Part one
Mind Map
Figure 1 Mind Map
Source: Author
The above figure 1 shows a mind map of the different healthcare information technologies which exist in the medical industry. The mind map has been developed using free mind-mapping software that was provided. Among the major healthcare information technologies which have been shown in the above figure are electronic health records, personal health records, picture archiving and communications, health information exchange and finally vendor neutral archives. Each of these technologies has been further branched depending on their functions or contribution to the medical care industry (Tan, 2013). First, the electronic healthcare record is a systematized collection of population and patient information electronically and storing it in a digital format. It is possible to share these records across departments and healthcare settings. Some of the information which can be contained as medical records includes billing information, laboratory test results, allergies and medication, medical history, demographics, and personal statistics such as weight and age. EHR’s helps to achieve improved patient care as well as cost savings. Secondly, there is the personal health record where the patient maintains health information and data related to the care they are getting (Tan, 2013). It is the opposite of electronic health records having that it intends to provide an accurate and complete summary of the medical history of a patient. In addition, there is the picture archiving and communication system which provides convenient access and economical storage to image emanating from multiple sources. The four main uses of this technology are hard copy replacement, remote access, electronic image integration platform, and radiology workflow management. Finally, there is the health information technology exchange which entails electronic mobilizing of healthcare information across numerous organizations in a region, hospital system or region (Tan, 2013).
Part two
How has the healthcare technology landscape changed?
There is enough evidence which depicts that the healthcare technology landscape has undergone critical changes and there is still room for more. Across the world, governments and non-governments bodies have been pushing to have the various healthcare aspects digitized. This has been made possible by the changes in the current pieces of legislation which for instance recommends the adoption of EMR for healthcare systems. Such initiatives have enabled easy gathering of data as well as the ability to share it bringing efficiency and effectiveness across the healthcare systems. According to Hussung (2015), on the smaller scale there has been introduction of new technologies which are enabling physician’s access beneficial information. Moreover, the introduction of various technologies has seen a shift to individual based care. Green & Bowie (2005) observed that in the 20th century, healthcare delivery was characterized by the need for insurance, rising costs and government’s role in service payment. Nevertheless, much has changed today as new technology continues to be adopted across the healthcare sector. As a result of more usage of technology in healthcare, there has been an increase in the number of people accessing treatment while at the same time opening up avenues for research and development. Hussung (2015) reports that today it is possible for physicians to administer treatment in a digitized manner in cases where patients are in remote areas and transporting them to a healthcare facility would be risky. Hendricks, (2015) noted that the three main changes which have revolutionized medical care are the clinical practice guidelines, electronic medical record and population science.
Are the healthcare technologies used for the same purpose? Explain.
Healthcare technologies are not utilized for the same purpose considering they are developed to address certain problems within the medical sector and at the same time they are used by various professionals. Their use depends on the entity that they have been applied whether it is a hospital or a clinic. Different entities have adopted varying measures on how they conduct normal activities. A technology might work perfectly in a certain hospital to address a certain problem however, it might prove challenging in another healthcare setting. Additionally, due to the cost of some of these healthcare technologies reputable hospitals might find ease in acquiring them but could prove a challenging affair for low-budget hospitals or clinics.
How can they be used across departments?
Within the medical field, healthcare technologies are utilized repeatedly in various departments. Their use varies depending on the type of profession. For instance, in a hospital setting, nurses find it beneficial to use mobile technology which includes tablets and smartphones which transforms how personalized quality care is delivered. This is because mobile technology is convenient in terms of time and location (Holland, 2016). Through portal technology, both patients and physicians are able to interact online and access medical records for easy administration of treatment. Moreover, portal technology empowers patients as they become active participants during their treatment (Jayanthi, 2014). Another example of how healthcare technology is utilized across departments is the EMR technology. For instance, the digital versions of charts can be accessed by different clinic and hospitals or the reception and the laboratory departments.
How do healthcare technologies impact the roles across the industry?
Advancement in healthcare technologies has enabled physicians provide better treatment and diagnosis of patients (Cocci, Narisi, & White, 2016). Both patients and healthcare professionals are experiencing the benefits of advanced technologies which have increased transparency in the administration of healthcare. It is now easy to access information which improves the quality of care delivered.
References
Cocci, R., Narisi, S., & White, J. (2016). Medical Technology. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/medical-technology/
Green, M. A., & Bowie, M. J. (2005). Essentials of health information management: Principles and Practices. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from http://ng.cengage.com/static/nb/ui/index.html? nbld=429105&nbNodeld=149307451&elSBN=9781305265400#!&parentld=149307517
Hendricks, D. (2015, June 25). How Technology Is Changing the Medical and Health Care Field. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/drew-hendricks/how-technology-is-changin_b_3273542.html
Holland, T.M. (2016). Mobile Technology in Nursing Improves Quality of Care at Hospitals. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from https://insights.samsung.com/2015/11/05/mobile-technology-in-nursing-improves-quality-of-care-at-hospitals-whitepaper/
Hussung, T. (2016). How Technology is Improving Medical Care. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from http://online.king.edu/healthcare/digitizing-healthcare-how-technology-is-improving-medical-care/
Jayanthi, A. (2014, January 28). 10 Biggest Technological Advancements for Healthcare in the Last Decade. Retrieved November 30, 2017, form https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/10-biggest-technological-advancements-for-healthcare-in-the-last-decade.html
Tan, J. K. H. (2013). Healthcare information technology innovation and sustainability: Frontiers and adoption. Hershey PA: Medical Information Science Reference.