NURS 6051 HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
Access to healthcare continues to expand with the advent and increased use of various technologies. These trends are enhancing remote access to health and reducing the cost of care based on aspects like transportation and mobility of patients. Telemedicine and telehealth are some of the healthcare trends related to data and information that I have observed used in my healthcare organization and nursing practice to enhance care for patients with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension who require increased care and monitoring (Haleem et al., 2021). Patients with these chronic conditions require close monitoring of their blood sugar levels and blood pressure to reduce complications and the need for hospitalization in case of an adverse event. Telemedicine increases communication between nurses and patients ensuring effective control of blood sugar levels and blood pressure, respectively.
However, based on their nature, these trends pose possible challenges and risks related to data security and compliance with regulatory requirements. For instance, increased digitization and interoperability emanating from these technology trends present possible risks for data breaches. Healthcare providers have a regulatory requirement and obligation based on legal provisions like HIPAA, HITECH, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to protect patient information (Gajarawala et al., 2021). Telemedicine improves the quality of care and patient experience. Further, it reduces the cost of care, especially for chronic conditions with increased disease burden. For instance, patients can access healthcare providers in the comfort of their homes. Conversely, potential risks emanating from telemedicine include breach of patient privacy if data security measures are weak. These risks implore providers to prioritize data safety, compliance with regulations, and effective patient care focused on enhancing quality experiences.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are promising healthcare technology trends that will change care provision. These technologies will enhance personalized or precision care and automate routine leading to increased efficiency for nurses and other healthcare providers (Saxena, 2021). For instance, studies show that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can analyze patient data to predict the possibility of diseases. The increased surveillance ensures early interventions to save lives and improve response, especially with infectious diseases.
References
Gajarawala, S. N., & Pelkowski, J. N. (2021). Telehealth benefits and barriers. The journal for
nurse practitioners, 17(2), 218-221. DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013
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