Journal | Nursing homework help
Technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry, providing new opportunities for improving patient outcomes. Technology has made it possible to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient engagement. Here are some ways technology has improved healthcare outcomes:
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs enable healthcare providers to store and share patient data, ensuring seamless communication and continuity of care. This has improved diagnosis accuracy, treatment quality, and patient safety.
- Telehealth: Telehealth has made healthcare more accessible to patients, especially those in remote or underserved areas. It has also improved patient outcomes by enabling remote monitoring of chronic conditions, reducing readmissions, and increasing patient engagement.
- Medical Devices: Technology has made it possible to develop medical devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, and smart inhalers. These devices improve treatment outcomes by delivering precise doses of medication and monitoring patient progress.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes by providing real-time data analysis and predictive analytics. This technology can identify patterns and predict disease outbreaks, improve treatment planning, and reduce healthcare costs.
- Mobile Health (mHealth): Mobile devices have made it possible to develop health apps that enable patients to manage their health effectively. These apps provide a platform for patients to track their symptoms, access educational resources, and communicate with healthcare providers, improving patient outcomes.
Two peer-reviewed articles that support the role of technology in improving healthcare outcomes include:
- Burke et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in managing chronic conditions. The study found that telehealth interventions improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased patient satisfaction.
- Haun et al. (2017) conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app in improving patient engagement and self-management in heart failure patients. The study found that patients using the mobile app had improved self-care behavior, better medication adherence, and higher quality of life.
In conclusion, technology has played a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes by improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient engagement. Further research is needed to explore the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning in improving healthcare outcomes.
References:
Burke, B. L., Hall, R. W., & Nair, K. V. (2021). Telemedicine: Pediatric applications. Pediatrics in Review, 42(2), 86-98.
Haun, J. N., Chavez, M., Nazi, K. M., Antinori, N., Melillo, C., Cotner, B. A., … & Gosline, R. M. (2017). Transforming patient engagement: utilizing mobile health technology to manage cardiovascular disease. Current cardiology reports, 19(12), 1-9.