Case Study 1
Technology In Healthcare
Final Paper
Topic: Critically evaluate the use of technology in healthcare and the challenges it presents in healthcare delivery. Offer specific examples or situations addressing technology’s contributions to improving the quality of health and healthcare; consider impact on healthcare costs and analyze trade-offs.
Introduction
The use of technology in healthcare and the delivery of this technology to healthcare present many challenges, technology contributes to improving the quality of healthcare but it does impact healthcare cost, however there are some trade-offs. “The term “medical technology” refers to procedures, equipment, and processes by which medical care is delivered.” (Goyen, Mathias. 2009) Some of the current challenges in healthcare are patient privacy and protection when using wireless technology, tracking patients and staff while in the healthcare environment, and transitioning medical records to electronic medical records to help reduce mistakes and improve patient safety. Technology does contribute to improving the quality of healthcare but it does impact healthcare cost, which has been one of the reasons why insurance premiums have been high. (Goyen, Mathias. 2009) Some of the trade-offs are the medical advancements that can be made with medical technology. (Thomas, RL. 2011)
Medical technology can help improve both patient and user safety, reduce medical errors when documenting patient information or using equipment, and also helping with employee job satisfaction which will in turn help the keep the staff employed at the healthcare organization. “One might not readily associate technology with work force shortage issues; however, it is an area rich with the potential for effective technological solutions.” (Larsen, Marc G. 2012) These kinds of improvements can only be achieved if a healthcare organization decides to change
Final Paper
Topic: Critically evaluate the use of technology in healthcare and the challenges it presents in healthcare delivery. Offer specific examples or situations addressing technology’s contributions to improving the quality of health and healthcare; consider impact on healthcare costs and analyze trade-offs.
Introduction
The use of technology in healthcare and the delivery of this technology to healthcare present many challenges, technology contributes to improving the quality of healthcare but it does impact healthcare cost, however there are some trade-offs. “The term “medical technology” refers to procedures, equipment, and processes by which medical care is delivered.” (Goyen, Mathias. 2009) Some of the current challenges in healthcare are patient privacy and protection when using wireless technology, tracking patients and staff while in the healthcare environment, and transitioning medical records to electronic medical records to help reduce mistakes and improve patient safety. Technology does contribute to improving the quality of healthcare but it does impact healthcare cost, which has been one of the reasons why insurance premiums have been high. (Goyen, Mathias. 2009) Some of the trade-offs are the medical advancements that can be made with medical technology. (Thomas, RL. 2011)
Medical technology can help improve both patient and user safety, reduce medical errors when documenting patient information or using equipment, and also helping with employee job satisfaction which will in turn help the keep the staff employed at the healthcare organization. “One might not readily associate technology with work force shortage issues; however, it is an area rich with the potential for effective technological solutions.” (Larsen, Marc G. 2012) These kinds of improvements can only be achieved if a healthcare organization decides to change
Cited: Barton, P. L. (2009). Understanding the U.S. Health Services System, 4th Edition(4th ed.). Chicago: Health Administration Press. Goyen, Mathias, and Jorg F. Debatin. "Healthcare cost for new technologies." European Journal of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging 36.1 (2009): 139-143. Print. "Lack of Technology Stressing Healthcare System." Healthcare Management Technology 30.12 (2009): 6. Print. Larsen, Marc G. . "Technology In Healthcare Leveraging New Innovations." Healthcare Executive 23.5 (2008): 9-14. Print. Levin, David. "mHealth: Promise and Pitfalls." Frontiers of Health Services Management 29.2 (2012): 33-39. Print. McGrady, Elizabeth, Sue Conger, Sandra Blanke, and Brett J.L. Landry. "Emerging Technologies in Healthcare: Navigating Risks, Evaluating Rewards." Journal of Healthcare Management 55.5 (2010): 353-364. Print. Pierce, N. "Keeping up with a fast-moving target--mHealth." Frontiers of Health Services Management 29.2 (2012): 28-32. Print. Probst, Yasmine. "Dietitians in the electronic age: Progressing towards e-health." Nutrition & Dietetics 68.3 (2011): 177-178. Print. Thomas, RL. "Convergence: it 's what 's next in healthcare IT." Healthcare Financial Management: Journal Of The Healthcare Financial Management Association 65.1 (2011): 130-132. Print.