In: Nursing
Advancement in health care technology: Medical Technology-
- It is the practical application of the scientific body of knowledge to improve health and create efficiencies in the delivery of health care, benefited from developments in other sciences such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Factors that drive the advancement in health care:
1) Cultural beliefs and values
2) Medical training and practice
3) Payment for securities
4) Competition among providers
Impact of advancement in health care technology-
• Quality of care:
- The degree to which health care services increase the
likelihood of desired health outcomes.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities,
- More timely and appropriate treatments,
- More effective and/or safer treatments,
- Increased life expectancy and decreased morbidity.
- A patient's overall satisfaction with life during and after medical treatment.
- Faster recovery, overcoming limitations, ability to manage chronic conditions, relief from pain and suffering.
• Health care costs:
- Contributes to rising health care expenses in labor and capital. But has reduced costs in other areas: replacements of more expensive procedures and reduced length of hospital stays.
• Access to care:
- Improved accessibility in rural areas by providing mobile
equipment or using new communications.
- Health care delivery: transformation of hospitals and growth in
outpatient and home care.
• Global medicine:
- The US produces more than half of medical technology purchased worldwide, other countries benefit.
• Bioethics:
Raises ethical and moral dilemmas.
Examples:
Diagnostic equipment (MRIs, CAT scans), pharmaceuticals, equipment and devices to render treatment (pace makers), medical procedures (joint replacements), facilities and organizational systems (data that is tracked and monitored, computerized health records).