It would not be an overstatement to claim that technology has changed the world. We can learn at online colleges, conduct financial transactions without visiting the bank. We can stream high definition videos and videos at the comfort of our living rooms and talk to people on the other side of the world in real time. One vital component of the human life that has been changed by the technological innovations in the world is the healthcare sector. Technology has changed the way we get information on, and treatment for, our health and many other essentials.
The internet has delivered undisputed boost and empowerment to the spreading of healthcare to patients. Patients can reach their symptoms in hospital database systems, find specialist doctors, book appointments and connect with other people with the same ailments. This way the patients can take care of their own health with minimal supervision from health care professionals.
Hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities are adopting technology just like business entities and educational facilities. The use of websites, blogs and social media to connect with a large demographic of patients is proving efficient in disseminating information quickly about new treatment treatments that people might not have been aware of. The healthcare professionals can use social media and internet to directly and effectively answer questions and provide some limited information to potential patients.
Electronic communication in healthcare
The Personal Computer is the originator and receiver of electronic communication in healthcare. However there are numerous non-PC gadgets for sending and receiving information such as PDAs, pagers, and telephones. Currently, innovation has resulted in high-end gadgets such as tablets and Smartphone that facilitate creation and transmission of emails and other kinds of electronic communications. Internet and email has been the primary medium for communication although shift is accelerating towards social platforms. E-mail and web consultations have become the norm for e-medicine through electronic devices. In the medical context, knowledge management is essentially concerned with the dissemination of information for management and reduction of errors.
The use information technology has changed healthcare communication and interaction. The use of SMS, E-mails, e-groups and electronic discussion groups has altered the way technology information is conveyed. It is efficient and cheap as patients get to know their radiology, x-ray and scan results through a click of a button. E-mails and SMS are relayed through electronic media saving on time and ensuring that the patient gets the necessary attention in good time. SMS-based applications remind the patients and doctors of exact times of administering doses of medicines. Doctors are using PDAs to interact with others in the relevant fields promoting knowledge sharing for the benefit of the patients. All of this is enabled by information technology.
In an effort to reduce medication errors, the use of barcode and scanning has increased. The impacts are positive because cases of wrong medication arte drastically reduced. Scanning machines and bar coding are utilized and integrated with information systems to ensure that the medication supplied to the patient are in tandem with patient records in information systems. The advantages are far more pronounced than the disadvantages since the patient safety is enhanced. De-personalization of care through the use of internet has made it possible to reach medical attention far away from the health care facility. Doctors and physicians can diagnose and prescribe medication to patients in the comfort of their living rooms. Although the strategy is still under deliberation, the effects are proving favorable.
Future of healthcare and technology
The next five years will see important changes in medical health care. With improved communication fueled by improved internet connectivity, numerous services could be delivered efficiently. Artificial intelligence is the new front that will deliver instant results to the medical care. The innovative techniques associated with AI will make it possible for electronic devices to be used to advance healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine include the development of software’s and devices such as those that allow three-dimensional images of the heart in much the same way as experienced human operator. The program uses AI to analyze parameters relevant to understanding the behavior and working of the human heart. In Knowledge Management, mobile computing solutions and platform such as PatientKeeper systems integrate crucial diagnostic transmission and management of decisions such as lab results, progressive reports, drugs, and patient allergies, demographic and administrative data. The system forms the basis of patient management and reporting.
Expert information
This kind of systems mimics human expertise in a particular field and make decisions based on the prevailing scenarios. Medical trends can be complicating and using human eyes to sift the information and try to predict the future is impossible. Computers have the processes and capabilities to mimic human activities with good speed. Through expert systems computers utilize its quick processing capabilities to analyze tens of thousands of data, records and combinations and provide medical administrators with useful trends and pattern both concerning the present and future. Management of medical facilities can be better achieved through informed decisions.
References
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