In: Operations Management
Mobile and wireless devices are being increasingly used in the
health care industry. Write a two-page paper that outlines five
applications of these devices in this industry. Also, identify
three mobile apps that could be used by medical personnel to
increase their productivity.
The Healthcare system has been going through a technological evolution around the globe. In the past few decades, the healthcare industry has improved methods to diagnose, to monitor the health conditions and notify medical professionals and patients with greater accuracy.
Wireless technologies and mobile devices offer significant convenience with the use of sophisticated devices capable of detect, monitor and feedback to designated personnel in real-time. These devices enable better coordination, improve diagnostic accuracy, and build a bridge of trust.
In the healthcare industry, the application of mobile devices and wireless technologies provide better-personalized healthcare, disease management, services to the patient and their relatives, and facilitates flexible communication among physicians, patients, and medical suppliers.
APPLICATION OF THESE DEVICES IN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY
Some of the outstanding application of these devices in the healthcare industry are as follows-
ITAREPS (Information Technology Aided Relapse Prevention Programme in Schizophrenia)- ITAREPS is a program that helps relapse in the prevention of schizophrenia using information technology. This program offers an authorized web-based interface to analyze the dynamics and development of early symptoms. With the help of Mobile SMS platform, the early warning signs data is collected from the patient himself or his/her relatives.
Management of Asthma- The second application of these devices is in the management of Asthma. The usage of mobile phone technology was viewed as identifying poor control more quickly and facilitating communication with healthcare professionals without the need for a face-to-face consultation.
Location tracking and security- The ability to locate an individual's location and help them in critical situations is one of the future benefits of wireless technology in the healthcare system. A person with a disability or Alzheimer's can be easily located using GPS and can assist them if required. It provides a certain level of protection and security to patients.
Connected Implants- Patients with specific medical conditions can be monitored using implants which are connected smartphone applications. Smart sensors can be implanted into patient skins to continuously monitor and detect any variation and trigger an emergency event if necessary.
Headache disorder- A mother application of these devices is in the area of headache disorder where mobile technology is commonly used by patients. Mobile application helps patients and healthcare professionals by creating a diary and try to name the type of headache. The role of these devices in the prevention and management of the mental disorder is assuring as they are successfully deployed in a therapeutic situation.
Smart tags and smart cards- Smart tags are used by hospitals to track patient's records, data entry, location tracking, etc. Medical professionals can retrieve the patient's information by tapping the smart card without any delay. Smart tags can be used to improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of the system.
Benefits of using mobile devices and wireless technology in the healthcare industry
MOBILE APPS THAT COULD BE USED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
EPOCRATES- Epocrates is a widely used app by medical professionals and contains a lot of information about drugs and drug interactions.
UpToDate- To access information easily and quickly, this app is a great option for hospitals and medical providers. This app shows patients' different images of the body and its inner-working.
Doximity- Doximity is online social networking for medical professionals.