Summary

The focus of this paper is on the influence that technology has on healthcare. The primary reason why I chose this topic is that technology has had a significant impact on the health sector. Technological advancements in the health industry have resulted in substantial changes in healthcare delivery. Because of the high cost of the technology and the difficulty in finding qualified personnel to operate it, technological adoption in healthcare has been delayed. This paper examines how new technologies have influenced healthcare costs in both positive and negative ways. When health institutions buy this new technology equipment, the medical cost of treating some infections may rise to a point where not everyone can pay it, even if they have health insurance.

Furthermore, modern technology has improved patient care and outcomes, particularly for patients with terminal conditions. Some deadly infections, such as cancer, can now be cured if diagnosed early, allowing patients to live longer. The new scanners can detect even the tiniest ailments, making it easier for doctors to devise preventative and curative strategies. The paper also depicts the current twist in healthcare that occurs when new information and technical equipment are implemented. This equipment can sometimes result in induced expenses by confirming infections that did not exist in a person, obviating the need for a diagnostic procedure. Thanks to new technology, access to patient data have become more efficient, reducing the cost of frequent trips to the hospital and emailing letters to patients about their doctors’ appointment dates. Physicians can communicate information with their colleagues simultaneously, improving patient outcomes through the exchange of ideas. This study also discusses the numerous tactics used in the hospital to improve patient safety using new technologies. Finally, it demonstrates how technology has become significant in healthcare.

Abstract

The quality of patient treatment has improved due to technological advancements, and numerous lives have been saved. The introduction of technology has altered the medical industry and the entire process and practices of healthcare professionals. This study examines how technology has been integrated into the healthcare industry and its impact on patients and physicians. The entire healthcare system has been altered by technology, which has improved the overall experience of medical personnel and patients while also increasing operational efficiency and patient care. Today’s healthcare delivery has been changed by better technology diagnostic equipment. It is increasingly critical to recognize that medical technology is essential to patients’ health, quality of life, and economic well-being. The demand for technical diagnostic equipment in healthcare facilities has steadily increased as medical technology has advanced. Healthcare costs have taken a turn, with the cost of treating some infections, such as cancer, increasing, indicating that healthcare costs are not decreasing. This demonstrates the necessity to solve the issue so that medical technology can be tailored to meet society’s demands.

Patient safety and confidentiality are crucial in any healthcare facility. As a result, the article highlights the role of medical technology in improving patient safety and results in the healthcare industry. Information technology improves patient safety by lowering medical errors, minimizing drug side effects, and increasing adherence to medical guidelines. Without a doubt, technology is an essential mechanism for enhancing patient care and security. Today, measures are being implemented worldwide to ensure that modern technology is integrated into the healthcare industry since healthcare professionals can monitor patient health efficiently. Furthermore, disease diagnosis is both safe and exact. Technology in the health sector comprises different technologies that range from simple chatting to complex decisions assistant.

An Exploration of the Impact of Technology in Health Care

The healthcare field is one of the areas technological adoption has been slow. It is also a sector that has been overwhelmed by the increased number of patient needs and reduced margins, resulting in the revision of various laws (Lee et al., 2013). The healthcare sector has progressively viewed the IT sector as a significant asset in providing health services and managing the inclining costs of healthcare services. Due to this, technological advancement has resulted in the production and distribution of healthcare equipment and medicine. Besides that, the medical sector now has equipment that requires specialized training and knowledge to operate. Technology in the healthcare sector has made it easy and empowered clients to look into their healthcare rights. The healthcare clients can now make inquiries, access their information and physicians through technology.

Furthermore, technological advancement has resulted in positive outcomes for all the patients affected by technological improvement. This is through the provision of the best medical services improving the well-being of the patients (Lee et al., 2013). The increased medical equipment introduced in the healthcare sector has helped deliver good care to the patients promoting their well-being expanding the demand for medical treatment. The diagnosis of diseases that patients suffered for a long time proves that technological advancement in healthcare is significant. Before introducing advanced medical equipment, terminal and dangerous diseases could not be noticed easily; hence, patients would suffer and die from mysterious ailments. Based on the proficiency and effectiveness of modern technology, it is now easy to detect the tiniest infections, and preventive and curative measures will be taken early (Lee et al., 2013).

Healthcare Costs

Technological advancement has made the recognition and treatment of various critical infections easy; however, the cost of these treatments is out of reach to most patients. Most of the departments involved in using technology to recognize and treat infection subsidy the services, but still, it is expensive, and it is only for a limited period (Kumar, 2011). At the same time, the adoption of medical technology is costly; hence to cover the cost incurred in purchasing this equipment, health institutions have to increase medical costs. However, the types of equipment are now being correlated with the increased efficiency in the health sector. Health insurances services help in easing the financial barriers among consumers. However, it pushes the healthcare institutions to demand more improved gadgets resulting in more expensive medical services.

Furthermore, technology affects the utilization of other healthcare services. These impacts comprise induced costs and savings of new technology (Kumar, 2011). For instance, a new imaging gadget may increase the usage of other health tests to confirm a specific diagnosis hypothesis that would not have existed. Even the new technology would make the diagnostic strategy unnecessary. The new technology may result in treatment procedures that would not have been considered necessary. At the same time, treatment may get avoided because the latest technological equipment may offer alternative choices. Technology may also lead to other complications and side effects, resulting in more tests and treatment. The complications and side effects can also be avoided if the technology leads to safer medical strategies than when the technology was absent (Kumar, 2011).

Furthermore, technological equipment with a longer life expectancy will necessitate more frequent maintenance, which is costly for an organization or an individual. At the same time, infection-prevention technology can be used to save money that an individual or an institution would otherwise spend on diagnosis and treatment (Kumar, 2011). Only a few preventive technologies, however, are inexpensive. Technology also aids physicians in making appropriate clinical judgments by providing detailed information about their patients’ medical problems. It also aids in the reduction of personnel costs, as labor is one of the most major costs in most healthcare organizations. To manage the rising number of patients, nurses, for example, must work long hours. However, with excellent staffing strategies and technologies like big data, it will be simple to watch staffing tactics and cut personnel expenses, favorably improving outcomes (Kumar, 2011).

Enhanced Access to Medical Information

One of the significant impacts of technology in the healthcare sector is improving fast and efficient access to medical data. It has made it easier for physicians to access and retrieve patient information from anywhere (Taylor, 2015). At the same time, healthcare practitioners can comfortably share information with their colleagues, hence exchanging ideas resulting in positive patient treatment outcomes. On the other hand, patients can comfortably access and talk to their doctors without going to the hospital and book appointments early, reducing time wastage in healthcare facilities. Through access to timely medical information, doctors can easily monitor a patient’s progress from the health records in the hospital (Taylor, 2015). The lines of communication have also improved, and physicians can communicate to their patients quickly with the new technology. At the same time, due to effective communications, doctors do not have to email letters to their patients reminding them of their appointments. The health practitioners can hold conferences while still at the healthcare institution via webinars.

Patients Safety

Patient information is critical for a healthcare organization; therefore, it entails avoiding, preventing, and eliminating any undesirable effects that a patient may encounter during treatment. Furthermore, using information technology, human errors are decreased, clinical outcomes are improved, care coordination is better, efficiency is maintained, and patient data is tracked (Alotaibi & Federico, 2017). Electronic ordering and E-prescribing are made possible by information and technology. The use of computer systems to enter doctors’ orders, such as medication, is known as computerized doctors’ orders input. Automated physician order input systems were created to improve patient safety, particularly when providing prescriptions; however, modern electronic systems also allow doctors to arrange testing and patient consultations. The clinical decision support system is also connected with this technology. This tool assists clinicians in determining the correct drug dosage, method, and the number of times it should be administered (Alotaibi & Federico, 2017).

Clinical decision support, which provides the physician with correct and detailed information, has also been made possible by information technology. The information supplied is intended to help clinicians make better judgments about a patient’s health (Alotaibi & Federico, 2017). These tools improve clinical decision-making and workflow. Notification, alerts, and reminders to healthcare workers to care for their patients are examples of clinical decision support systems. On-screen reminders are used by doctors, resulting in better adherence to laboratory tests, vaccines, prescription orders, and clinical outcomes (Alotaibi & Federico, 2017).

Improving High-Quality Care and Important Public Health Functions

Various technologies have been introduced to the healthcare industries that have proven indispensable, and their acceptance has been steadily expanding. These technologies have improved treatment continuity for primary, secondary, critical, and elderly patients. They monitor the patient’s well-being and store all records of their health conditions, treatment, and major instances, making important decisions and improving the patient experience (World Health Organization, 2018). Furthermore, the treatment process and communication between the patient and the doctor have been enhanced, reducing unanticipated hospitalizations and ensuring that people have quick access to information via mobile phones experience (World Health Organization, 2018). Technology has improved primary care by transferring intervention techniques from secondary to tertiary care institutions, resulting in more patient-centered and integrated healthcare services. It has also aided in collecting, analyzing, and exchanging data in various aspects of the healthcare industry. Data collection and reporting have been improved, making it easier to track disease prevalence.

Healthcare Workforce

Information technology has a significant influence on the nature of professions available and their significance. New technology necessitates the acquisition of proper expertise. Those in the healthcare field who can adjust to change will be retained, while those who cannot be laid off. It is important to note that information and communication technology can significantly boost healthcare productivity (Nancarrow & Borthwick, 2005). Apart from its huge magnitude, healthcare is an experience and understanding market with dispersed information sources, which gives IT applications an advantage. The vast number of jobs linked to the healthcare sector demonstrates the scope of the industry. Aside from their scale, healthcare occupations are often considered “excellent jobs,” with decent wages and non-monetary benefits, especially for relatively less qualified individuals. One of the individuals’ greatest anxieties is that machines would eventually take over human jobs, resulting in massive unemployment.

Additionally, technology has helped revolutionize the health sector by introducing electronic health records. Medical history, pharmaceutical orders, vital signs, laboratory results, radiological reports, and doctor and caregiver notes are part of an electronic health record (Nancarrow & Borthwick, 2005). It manages healthcare facilities’ drug and exam ordering processes, assuring consistent, readable, and complete orders. It is also possible for an EHR to have an integrated decision support system that gives health care providers access to up-to-date information, reminders, or other activities to assist them in making clinical decisions. Furthermore, technology has introduced new communication strategies in the healthcare sector, for instance, telehealth. In the industry, miscommunication is a crucial challenge that results in preventable medical errors and wasteful allocation of resources. It also leads to an increased number of patient deaths. With the help of electronic health records, these problems have been mitigated through a computerized doctor entry system.

Medical Diagnosis, Administrative and Specialized Functions

The consistent increase in healthcare costs has resulted in the need for technological advancement in the healthcare sector. According to current trends, healthcare systems are changing their IT resources away from cost-management measures and technology, making it easier to integrate delivery systems and prepare for care services (Prochazka & Daniel, 1997). As the industry shifts its technological investment, clinical outcomes are expected to increase progressively, reaping huge benefits. Therefore, the healthcare sector uses modern technology in administrative functions, diagnostic treatment, and specialized functions. Diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in medical technology have significantly impacted the health care business in the last ten years (Prochazka & Daniel, 1997). Because early and precise disease detection is key to effective treatment, diagnostic radiography has become increasingly important in patient management and care.

Furthermore, doctors and nurses are increasingly using digitized medical imaging for care, prognosis, and healthcare requirements to attain economies of scale. Clinical Information Systems have been developed, giving them the ability to share patient information with other healthcare team members via the system. In addition, there are specialized applications of technology in the healthcare sector, such as artificial intelligence, which allows experts’ professional judgment and experience to be captured and combined for use by less skilled employees. The other specialized systems are the decision and management support systems (Prochazka & Daniel, 1997).

Technology in Designs of Healthcare Trade

Information technology has revolutionized the healthcare sector trade through a significant connection to human beings and different markets. Technology impacts the health sector’s design and development areas, delivery systems, and healthcare administration (Mathur, 2003). In most countries, health care needs cannot be easily met with the prevailing resource allocation strategies. Conflicts arise between different countries due to the regulations of international trade regarding health care goods and services. This makes the promotion of trade and safeguarding health goals incompatible. With the right policies and regulations, technology has revolutionized health care through human connectivity.

Therefore, technology has a significant impact in designing health care systems by establishing effective links between domestic and international markets. Telemedicine emerged from utilizing audio, visual, and data communication for medical consultations, hence the broader idea of telehealth (Mathur, 2003). Consequently, E-health has evolved to enhance interactivity and transfer of information through information technology and electronic communication. In the traditional days, the study of diseases linked to genes and proteins in the human body resulted in an explosion of genetic information. However, technology has brought advanced and indispensable tools to test large portions of proteins and DNA quickly. The need for speed, simulations, standards, economies of scale has revolutionized the health sector.

Additionally, with technology, new medicines are developed easily and quickly across borders with vast information sharing. Simultaneously, clinical testing of these medicines can also cover a large geographical area (Mathur, 2003). Furthermore, in less developed nations, where governments must simultaneously pursue healthcare, development, and trade agendas, information technology is a significant issue in public health systems design. Even in developed countries, shrinking resources and rising healthcare costs drive innovative ideas. This has resulted in a considerable increase in trade possibilities.

Electronic Health Record Systems

Before adopting modern technology, health care professionals would record and hold patients’ medical information in different locations. However, with the integration of technology, patients’ medical records are stored in one place where access is fast (Menachem & Collum, 2011). Technology introduced electronic health records that allow patients’ medical history, diagnosis, test results, and other significant information to be stored online in one place. Through this, accurate and ability to track health trends for each patient has been made easy. There are various advantages and disadvantages of adopting electronic health records in the healthcare sector.

The first benefit of electronic health records is accessibility. Since patient information is stored electronically, physicians can access it from any location at any given time (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Physicians can access a patient’s whole medical history, assess wellness programs, and more leads to an increase in the course of treatment. The accessibility of EHRs in a life-threatening situation can be beneficial. Treatment options can be made quickly after a thorough assessment of a patient’s diagnostic history, including allergens, blood groups, and pre-existing health difficulties (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Secondly, electronic health records have improved communication and engagement in the healthcare sector. EHRs have strengthened physician-to-physician and physician-to-patient communication. Even though administrative responsibilities have been exhausting, EHRs offer the ability to allow communication that would otherwise be difficult. EHRs make it easier for doctors to converse with other doctors and keep track of their patient’s treatment and support plans (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).

On the other hand, there are two major drawbacks of electronic health records: cost and physician burnout. In terms of cost, both the organization and the physicians are burdened by installing the technology (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Hospitals have to acquire the software and hire professionals to offer that will help operate the equipment. Tutoring and the learning algorithm correlated with the technology incorporation consume a lot of time from practitioners and hospital staff, which could be spent taking care of patients.

Additionally, in the healthcare sector, physician burnout is an issue of concern. It is mainly associated with minimal patient satisfaction, reduced patient safety, and high chances of malpractice. It can have a negative impact on the working environment of the people involved in a healthcare facility (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). However, electronic health records have contributed to increased physician burnout due to burdens resulting from the user interface. At the same time, physicians have to spend a lot of time due to clerical data entry in the electronic health records hence spending limited time with patients resulting in poor health care delivery.

Hospital Productivity

Modern technology in the health care sector has been significant in increasing hospital productivity and improving patient outcomes. In the United States, health policy experts have long urged for greater adoption of health technology to enhance healthcare quality while lowering costs (Lee et al., 2013). The federal government’s major engagement in supporting the adoption and spread of technology in healthcare implies a disconnect between private incentives and social advantages. However, it is challenging for hospitals to make health technology financial decisions because of the high expenses associated with large-scale health technology adoption and the unpredictability of their expected returns. Hospitals began adopting technology early, and the primary focus was to enhance billing and financial services (Lee et al., 2013). After that, the objective of technology in healthcare grew from overseeing radiography, laboratory, and pharmacy service lines. The clinical services have been greatly improved by developing the EMR system that has replaced hospital medical records and integrated clinical information (Lee et al., 2013).

Conclusion

Technology has had a tremendous impact on the healthcare industry, such as enhancing treatment and rising prices. In hospitals, technology has aided in the reduction of medical errors, hence improving patient safety. It has also restricted work prospects and necessitated the use of expert employees to deal with the expensive equipment. This implies that technology adoption in the healthcare sector has both benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, technology has enhanced patient safety by reducing errors in the health sector, which entails avoiding, preventing, and eliminating undesirable effects that a patient may encounter during treatment. The use of technology has reduced human medical errors, improved patient outcomes, care coordination, and enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the healthcare sector.