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Technology Trends
In the world of health care, technology trends are rapidly evolving, especially when it comes to data management and information systems. Since I have started working in health care, electronic health records have been used, but they are constantly evolving and improving to better enhance the way our providers are able to care for patients. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are key to health care operations and enable sharing of patient data across different departments and care providers. According to the International Organizaiton for Standardization website (n.d.) electronic health records are “a comprehensive digital compilation of a patient’s health data. The real benefit of EHRs over traditional paper charts is ease of access… An EHRs system can revolutionize healthcare for both patients and providers. By centralizing information and promoting seamless collaboration between different professionals, EHRs foster a more patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery.” These electronic health records are able to store comprehensive patient information, that includes medical history, medications, allergies, lab results, and treatment plans. Having all this information in one health record allows health care providers to make more informed decisions when caring for their patients. Electronic health records have revolutionized the health care industry by making patient data and records more accessible and easier to manage and will continue to play a critical role in advancing health care delivery.
Challenges
Although there are many beneficial points to using electronic health records in health care, there are also some challenges that arise from using them also. In the journal written by Keshta and Odeh (2020) there are many challenges or issues that arise from using electronic health records in health care but states “The common issues that needs to be addressed in electronic medical record system are privacy, security and confidentiality… Transfering or sharing sensitive health data when not authority can lead to data breach.” As patient information is increasingly digitized and shared across platforms, there becomes an increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized user access. When a health care organization uses an electronic health record system, it is important for them to implement strong cybersecurity measures in order to protect sensitive health information because breaches have the potential to lead to identity theft, legal liabilities, and loss of trust because patient and health care providers. Addressing this challenge, and other challenges, will require an ongoing investment in technology infrastructure, user training, and developing policies to ensure security, privacy, and efficiency within the health care organization.
Potential benefit and risk
There are many benefits to using the electronic health records in the clinical setting and one of the potential benefits is improved patient safety through enhanced data sharing and access. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (n.d.) states “EHRs are the next step in the continued progress of healthcare that can strengthen the relationship between patients and clinicians. The data, and the timeliness and availability of it, will enable providers to make better decisions and provide better care. For example, the EHR can improve patient care by: reducing the incidence of medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records… making health information available, reducing duplication of tests, reducing delays in treatment, and patients well informed to make better decisions… reducing medical error by improving the accuracy and clarity of medical records.” EHRs enable providers to access real-time, comprehensive patient data, which helps reduce the risk of medical errors. Providers are able to quickly see a patient’s full medical history, medication lists, and allergies, which will help the provider make a more accurate diagnoses. This enhanced data sharing promotes continuity of care, especially for patients seeing multiple providers or moving between health care settings.
The potential risks of using electronic health records in health care are data breaches and privacy violations. With increased digitization, patient health data is put an increased risk for cyberattacks, breaches, and unauthorized access. A data breach can expose sensitive personal information, which can lead to identity theft or the misuse of medical information. Such incidents not only compromise patient privacy but also result in legal liabilities for health care organizations. Legislation like HIPPA imposes strict penalties for non-compliance with data protection standards, adding further risk to health care providers if they fail to adequately safeguard patient information.
Ensuring that health care organizations balance the benefits of electronic health records with the risks associated with data security and privacy is critical for maintaining both patient trust and regulatory compliance.
Technology trends that enhance nursing practice
One technology trend that I believe will enhance the nursing practice is telehealth and remote monitoring. Telehealth allows nurses to deliver care remotely, which can be particularly useful in managing chronic disease, post-operative follow-ups, or providing care in rural areas. Rutledge and Gustin (2021) states “The nurse practicing telehealth promotes patient wellness; assesses patients and provides care in remote or disadvantaged settings; manages chronic conditions; provides transition of care; and supports end of life care.” Remote monitoring devices, such as wearable sensors, allow nurses to track patients’ vitals, glucose levels, and other critical health indicators in real time, ensuring timely interventions without the need for physical visits. This trend expands the nurses’ ability to monitor and support patients outside traditional clinical settings, providing continuity of care. Telehealth is promising to enhancing nursing practice by the increased access to care. Telehealth improves access to health for patients in remote areas or those with mobility issues. It also helps nurses catch issues early, enabling proactive care and reducing hospital readmissions. Telehealth is transforming nursing practice by enhancing efficiency, improving patient safety, and expanding access to care. It allows nurses to leverage data-driven insights, reduce manual tasks, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.
Promises to improve health care
The promise of health care technology trends will contribute significantly to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, and data management. The trends will increase efficiency in care delivery by streamlining nursing workflows, freeing up time for more critical tasks and reducing delays in care delivery. In the example of telehealth, this allows nurses to conduct virtual visits, which can be beneficial for chronic disease management, where frequent monitoring is essential. Patients are able to be monitored from home, reducing hospital visits and minimizing the burden on health care facilities. An example: In rural or underserved areas, telehealth platforms allow nurses to provide ongoing care and follow-ups without the need for patients to travel long distances, improving access to care and optimizing resource allocations.
References
Keshta , I., & Odeh , A. (2021). Security and privacy of electronic health records: Concerns and challenges. Egyptian Informatics Journal, 22(2). https://doi.org/HTTPS://doi.org/10.1016/j.eij.2020.07.003 Links to an external site.
International Organization for Standardization. (N.d.). Electronic health records. ISO. HTTPS://www/iso.org/healthcare/electronic-health-records Links to an external site.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (N.d.). Electronic health records. CMS. HTTPS://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/e-health/records Links to an external site.
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