Respond to Samuel Adjei and Antoinette Anidi offering additional/alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to the observations shared:
Samuel Adjei
Healthcare technology has significantly evolved in the contemporary practice with the most affected areas being data management and patient care. As noted by Taksler et al. (2021), some of the key trends include the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), and telehealth services. EHRs have been effective in streamlining the patient data management, thus allowing healthcare professionals to access patient information in real time. Equally, telehealth has expanded access to care by enabling remote consultations for patients in rural areas and those with mobility issues.
However, these advancements have come with significant challenges and risks that needs to be mitigated with the most noticeable one being. According to Seh et al. (2021), the increased use of digital records makes healthcare organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, which can compromise patient privacy. In addition, the integration of new technologies creates workflow disruptions and require extensive training for healthcare staff, which may call for more operational costs in an already financially strained system.
The main benefit of advanced healthcare technologies is improved patient care by facilitating timely access to information, thus enhancing decision-making. For example, EHRs are effective in alerting providers to critical lab results which prompts interventions. On the contrary, a potential risk of EHR is the accuracy of its data with some systems producing inaccurate and incomplete data which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Among the promising trends, telehealth stands out due to its ability to enhance patient access to care and reduce hospital readmission rates. According to Pushadapu (2020), the convenience of virtual visits can lead to better patient adherence to treatment plans and more frequent follow-ups, ultimately improving health outcomes. In addition, data management through EHRs facilitates coordinated care which promotes collaboration among care providers and reduces duplication of services.
References
Pushadapu, N. (2020). The Importance of Remote Clinics and Telemedicine in Healthcare: Enhancing Access and Quality of Care through Technological Innovations. Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Review, 1(2), 215-261. https://ajmrr.org/journal/article/view/206Links to an external site.
Seh, A. H., Zarour, M., Alenezi, M., Sarkar, A. K., Agrawal, A., Kumar, R., & Ahmad Khan, R. (2020, May). Healthcare data breaches: Insights and implications. In Healthcare (Vol. 8, No. 2, p. 133). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020133Links to an external site.
Taksler, G. B., Dalton, J. E., Perzynski, A. T., Rothberg, M. B., Milinovich, A., Krieger, N. I., … & Einstadter, D. (2021). Opportunities, pitfalls, and alternatives in adapting electronic health records for health
Antoinette Anidi
Several key trends have emerged in healthcare technology in recent years, particularly in data management and information sharing. These include the rise of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telehealth services, and mobile health applications. In my nursing practice, I’ve observed a growing reliance on EHRs to streamline patient information access and enhance communication among healthcare teams. Additionally, telehealth has expanded access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas. For example, as soon as patients are admitted into the facility where I work and the provider is not around, telehealth is used by the provider on call to interview patients and give care in the form of live videoconferencing which will be between the provider and the patient using visual and audio technology. “Telehealth services can improve cost efficiencies, reduce readmissions, grow practices through increased patient engagement, improve data quality through strengthened communication with patients and families, and offer increased flexibility in provider schedules and workflow (Dana DeHart et al., 2022).”
While these technologies offer significant advantages, they also present challenges and risks. For instance, EHRs can lead to data overload for clinicians, making it difficult to extract meaningful insights. Furthermore, there is an inherent risk of data breaches, which can compromise patient privacy and trust. “In 2018 it was found that almost 92% of top-ranked apps (33/36) for depression and smoking cessation shared their user data with a third party, and 81% (29/36) shared with Google and Facebook (Sharma & Patten, 2022).” Telehealth, although beneficial, can also lead to disparities in access due to technological barriers faced by certain patient populations.
One potential benefit of advanced data management technologies is improved patient care through data-driven insights, allowing for tailored treatment plans. For example, predictive analytics can identify at-risk patients before complications arise. Conversely, a significant risk associated with these technologies is non-compliance with legislation such as HIPAA. If healthcare organizations fail to protect patient data adequately, they may face legal penalties and loss of patient trust, ultimately impacting care delivery.
I believe the most promising healthcare technology trends for nursing practice include telehealth and data analytics. Telehealth facilitates real-time consultations, improving access and allowing for immediate interventions. For instance, a nurse can monitor a patient’s condition remotely, leading to timely adjustments in care plans. Data analytics can transform nursing practice by enabling evidence-based decisions. For example, analyzing patient data can help identify trends in medication adherence, allowing nurses to intervene proactively. These technologies contribute to improved patient outcomes by facilitating early intervention and promoting a holistic understanding of patient needs
Overall, the integration of advanced healthcare technologies in nursing practice holds great promise for enhancing patient care outcomes, improving efficiencies, and optimizing data management. Healthcare organizations can harness these trends by addressing the associated risks to create a safer, more effective healthcare environment.
References
DeHart, D., King, L. B., Iachini, A. L., Browne, T., & Reitmeier, M. (2022). Benefits and Challenges of Implementing Telehealth in Rural Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study of Behavioral Medicine Providers. Health & Social Work, 47(1), 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/hlab036
Sharma, P., & Patten, C. A. (2022). A need for digitally inclusive health care service in the United States: Recommendations for clinicians and health care systemsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.. Permanente Journal, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/21.156