Healthcare Information Technology Trends
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.
In this Discussion, you will reflect on your healthcare
organization’s use of technology and offer a technology trend you
observe in your environment.
To Prepare:
- 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.
By Day 3 of Week 6
Post a brief description of general healthcare
technology trends, particularly related to data/information you have
observed in use in your healthcare organization or nursing practice.
Describe any potential challenges or risks that may be inherent in the
technologies associated with these trends you described. Then, describe
at least one potential benefit and one potential risk associated with
data safety, legislation, and patient care for the technologies you
described. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe
are most promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing
practice and explain why. Describe whether this promise will contribute
to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data
management. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days, offering additional/alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to the observations shared.
Expert Solution Preview
One potential healthcare technology trend that I have observed in my nursing practice is the use of telehealth and mobile applications. Telehealth allows for remote monitoring and communication with patients, which can improve access to healthcare and save both patients and providers time and money. Mobile applications can help patients manage their medications, track their symptoms, and communicate with their healthcare providers.
However, one potential challenge or risk with these technologies is ensuring patient privacy and data security. With the increased use of digital information tools and technologies, there is a greater risk of cyber attacks and data breaches. It is important to implement strong security measures to protect patient information.
One potential benefit of these technologies is improved patient care outcomes. For example, telehealth and mobile applications can help patients manage chronic conditions more effectively and reduce hospital readmissions. However, one potential risk is that patients may become too reliant on technology and may not seek care when they need it.
In my opinion, the most promising healthcare technology trend for impacting nursing practice is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems. These technologies can help providers make more accurate diagnoses, predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment plans based on individual patient data. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect early signs of cancer and other diseases.
This promise of AI can contribute to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, and data management by providing providers with more accurate and personalized information about their patients. However, it is important to use these technologies ethically and ensure that patient privacy is protected. As with any technology, there are risks and challenges associated with AI, and it is important to carefully consider these when implementing these technologies in healthcare settings.
