HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

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Throughout history, technological advancements have appeared for one purpose before finding applications elsewhere that lead to spikes in its usage and development. The internet, for example, was originally developed to share research before becoming a staple of work and entertainment. But technology—new and repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driver of healthcare information. Informaticists often stay tuned to trends to monitor what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing technology can benefit outcomes.

reflect on your healthcare organization’s use of technology and offer a technology trend you observe in your environment.

 

Reflect on the Resources related to digital information tools and technologies.
Consider your healthcare organization’s use of healthcare technologies to manage and distribute information.
Reflect on current and potential future trends, such as use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

 

Sample Solution

Navigating the Tech Tide: Trends in Healthcare Information Management

Reflecting on my healthcare organization (or a hypothetical one):

  • Current Technologies: My healthcare organization likely utilizes an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system as the primary tool for managing and distributing patient information.
  • Limited Patient Access: Patients may have access to a limited patient portal allowing them to view basic medical records or schedule appointments.
  • Observed Trend: Telehealth and mobile applications are becoming increasingly prominent within the healthcare landscape.

Potential Future Trends and Impact:

Here’s a closer look at three potential future trends and their impact on nursing practice and healthcare delivery:

  1. Telehealth and Mobile Apps:
    • Impact: Increased patient engagement, remote consultations, improved access to care for geographically isolated patients, potential for chronic disease management through apps.
    • Nursing Considerations: Developing skills for virtual patient interactions, ensuring clear communication and building rapport remotely. Data security and privacy become paramount.
  2. Internet of Things (IoT) for Asset Tracking:
    • Impact: Real-time tracking of medical equipment, improved inventory management, reduced waste, streamlined logistics for nurses.
    • Nursing Considerations: Learning to utilize IoT data for efficient resource allocation and equipment maintenance. Focus on patient care may shift slightly to incorporate technology management tasks. Collaboration with IT staff might be necessary.
  3. Expert Systems/Artificial Intelligence (AI):
    • Impact: Potential for AI-powered decision support tools, improved diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, automated data analysis, freeing up nurses for more complex patient interactions.
    • Nursing Considerations: Understanding AI limitations, maintaining critical thinking skills, and collaborating with AI for better decision-making.
    • Ethical Considerations: Transparency and fairness in AI algorithms, potential for bias, and ensuring human oversight in patient care decisions.

Discussion Prompts:

  • Have you observed any of these trends in your healthcare organization? Share your experiences!
  • What are the biggest challenges in adopting new healthcare technologies within your organization?
  • How can nurses be better prepared to integrate these technologies into their practice?

By actively discussing and exploring these trends, healthcare organizations can leverage technology to:

  • Improve patient care.
  • Enhance nursing practice.
  • Deliver a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

 

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