Technology in Healthcare Essay

The application of new technology in healthcare provision is essential for effective and efficient medical service delivery to consumers. The new state of technology equally improves the standards and outcomes of medical and healthcare services to people. Both the aged and the young gain benefit from these technologies. The use of mobile application devices like smartphones and other related technology-based equipment results in convenience in the acquisition of medical services (Lennquist, 2012, p.64). With these devices, quick response to an emergency is kept under control while emphasizing the quality of medical services. Based on the services offered by the emergency workers in Marin Country, it is prudent to adopt new technology by using QR codes to save lives in cases of emergency. The information provided by the new technology effectively captures the interest of patients and medics in enhancing efficiency and medical delivery practices.

Technology in Healthcare Development

Technology involving smart scanning and Quick Response devices enables faster acquisition of medical services by the concerned institutions. The element is evidenced by the successful application of these devices in enhancing quick medical response to patients who may be accessing services remotely. The problem associated with logistical transfer is eliminated since one’s personal details are available in the database. For instance, the Emergency Response Team in California undertakes faster measures for patients who may require immediate attention. Another aspect that became available with this platform includes remarkable coordination between different teams like Lifesquare and ID Amber. Joint exercise by these companies ensures the full realization of lifesaving opportunities for patients who are at home. Prevention of deaths and health hazards is based on the nature of responses undertaken by supportive institutions in the manner in which they respond to disasters (Lennquist, 2012, p.66). Health-related issues are managed under the platform where all disaster teams coordinate and make their operations up to date. In addition, Medical Response Teams with the new technology of QR are enabled to act on any medical situation around the clock.

Evidence that favors the application of this technology involves efficiency involved in its operations. The process begins with the subscription procedures which are rather simple and straightforward. From the scenario given, the technology requires a potential subscriber to input personal information about medication on their websites followed by the insertion of the required QR code stickers. With this information, the patient can access the emergency response services solely by alerting the QR Emergency Team. These sets of information make easier and faster the acquisition of medical services. Another advantage associated with QR medical services includes the elimination of stringent procedures associated with the transfer of patients from home to the hospital (Zhang, 2007, p.96). The IT technology website gives the hospital the opportunity to make necessary preparations while awaiting incoming patients. Medical piloting program equally makes possible coordination and intercommunication between medics and patients in the comfort of their homes. In addition, the hospital fraternity with the help of the Emergency Response Team makes an update of medical reports to the public whenever it is necessary.

Main Technologies in Healthcare

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR): EHR systems allow for the digital storage, management, and exchange of patient health information, improving access to comprehensive and up-to-date medical records.
2. Telemedicine and Telehealth: Telemedicine technologies enable remote consultations and healthcare services, allowing patients to receive medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment from the comfort of their homes.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning algorithms are employed in healthcare for tasks such as medical imaging analysis, predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and drug discovery.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices and sensors are utilized to collect and transmit real-time data from patients, enabling remote monitoring, wearable health trackers, and smart healthcare systems.
5. Robotics and Automation: Robotics and automation technologies assist in surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and repetitive tasks in healthcare settings, improving precision and efficiency.
6. Precision Medicine: Precision medicine utilizes genomics, molecular profiling, and advanced diagnostic tools to tailor medical treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and specific characteristics.
7. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies are used in healthcare for training medical professionals, simulating surgeries, and providing immersive therapy experiences for patients.
8. 3D Printing: 3D printing is employed in healthcare for the production of patient-specific implants, prosthetics, anatomical models, and drug delivery systems.
9. Blockchain: Blockchain technology enhances the security, privacy, and interoperability of healthcare data, facilitating secure data sharing, medical record management, and patient consent.
10. Genomic Medicine: Genomic medicine focuses on the study of an individual’s genes and their impact on health, enabling personalized treatment plans and targeted therapies based on genetic information.

Advantages of Technology in Healthcare

Despite the advantages discussed above, clients that subscribe to the project gain access to medical records that they can use as guidelines in various conditions. Sometimes, visiting hospitals may become expensive and manageable, especially medical consultancy fees paid to medics. Accessibility of this information by the public aids in eliminating costs related to consolations. Arguably, the new technology reduces the costs of medical treatments and consequently improves its efficiency (Zhang, 2007, p.99). Combined operations of the Marine Country workers, the ID Amber, and Lifesquare make medical treatment and service delivery efficient and concrete. In addition, the scanning process of personal details is faster and more reliable, thereby giving both the old and young get the required service and in good time. The development of a personal website is a simple process that does not require any particular expertise other than the basic procedures.

Despite the advantages associated with the application of new technology to the medical fraternity, there are drawbacks associated with this move. On the top of the list of disadvantages, there are the costs associated with the process. It attributes to the service cost charged by the Emergency Medical Response Teams. The Marin workers and their partnership service delivery counterparts levy additional charges on patients who subscribe to this technology. Other than cost issues, the adoption of new technology may be faced with uncertainty related to illiteracy levels (Lennquist, 2012, p.75). For instance, not all patients are computer literate and may have problems using this service at their comfort. The process of acquiring medical services should not be hampered by any procedures due to the introduction of new technology since something it does not favor the elderly and technology illiterates.

Conclusion

While making conclusion, the acquisition of new technology is prudent for many people. It attributes to the advantages associated with its acquisition, namely, it brings convenience and efficiency so that patients can access medical services anytime in the comfort of their homes. The adoption of new technology is important and should not be ignored by patients, despite having some demerits. In addition, service providers should incorporate the plight of both categories of people from literate to illiterate. Therefore, this factor enhances the performance of healthcare institutions while preventing harmful effects associated with the new technology.

References

Lennquist, S. (2012). Medical response to major incidents and disasters: A practical guide for all medical staff. Berlin: Springer.

Zhang, Q. (2007). E-supply chain technologies and management. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.