Question

We use technology to improve healthcare or the delivery of healthcare. So how has digital technology impacted healthcare? Think of high tech surgical procedures, clouds for information, big data. How are data and technology changing the delivery of healthcare or service lines in healthcare.

Answer 1

Impact of digital technology in healthcare

1. Digitalization of health records:

It replaces the paper health record. It changing the work of the allied health professionals. It is the duty of the nurses and technicians to record complete patient history, physical assessment note, lab results etc., in the computer. On the administration side of things medical billers and coders uses electronic health records for making appointments, updating patient record with diagnostic codes, and submitting medical claims.

Benefits

To enhance patitent care- Electronic health records are extremely useful for physicians to access medical data of the patient. It automatically allert the treating physician to potential issues such as allergies or intolerance to certain medicine. It is more useful for unconscious patients.

To improve public health- It gives invaluable data to clinical researchers which helps to development of new treatment modalities for common public health problems.

To ease work flow- EHR is less time consuming need limited number of personnel to maintain that.

To lower health care cost- It reduces the cost of outpatient care.

2. Big data and the cloud:

It refers to large number of data collected from a variety of sources are processed and stored and used for analytics. The cloud computing is the most innovative products in healthcare technology today. It uses hardware and software to deliver services via the Internet. In this health care professionals and patients are able to access certain files and data.

Benefits

Better and safer data storage

Improved access to big data

Reducing health care cost

Predicting epidemics

Avoiding preventable deaths

Improving quality of life

Reducing health care wastage

Improving efficiency and quality of care

Developing new drugs and treatments

3. Information and communication technology:

It links health care professionals as well as health care professionals with patients. Email, smart phones, webcam, telemedicine and telemonitoring systems are currently being used to share information. They serve many purposes such as diagnostics, management, counselling, education and support.

Benefits

Shorter waiting time for patients

Improved access for rural areas

Improved efficiency leading to savings

4. High tech surgical procedures:

One of this advancement is robotic surgery. It allows physicians to perform surgery using small, precise tools attached to a robotic arm.

Benefits

Lower rate of complications

Less blood loss

Shorter hospital stay

Less pain

Improved quality of life after surgery

Small incisions for minimal scarring