Healthcare informatics Resources, May, 24, 2013, Electronic Communication [blog post], https://healthcare-informatics-resources.com/2013/05/22/electronic-communication-comment/
My comment on electronic communications in the medical field is that this amazing tool often does not get the credit it deserves quite often because people that use these tools on a daily basis only think about how it makes their job easier, and true it does. However it does so much more than that. By reducing the amount of paper in the office it actually reduces the amount of accidents due to clerical errors, misdiagnosis, reduce the chance for under or overdosing of medications. And also increases the speed of information that travels that can mean a persons life in an emergency. There needs to be a study done on how (they’re probably already is one) many lives electronic records and systems save each year.
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Healthcare Informatics Online Tutor
Tags: Health Care Electronic Medical Record, Healthcare Informatics Online Tutor, Healthcare Informatics Resources
Healthcare Informatics Resources 
July 23, 2013 at 2:39 am |
I do very much agree with you here on this subject and that it is a great tool to utilize. Although I agree with you I am going to play Devils advocate here and say that it is also a bad thing at times because people get very used to the “have it now” type of attitude. I specifically think that this puts a lot more pressure on the healthcare providers as this attitude of wanting things now and wanting answers is not always the right way to go about things.
July 23, 2013 at 2:37 am |
Although I can see some people in fear of losing their jobs, I do think that this creates a great technology and a great use of resources that people have available to them. It always interests me to see my parents and grandparents using smart phones and other technology, but at the same time I am very glad because it is a much more efficient way to think and communicate in these cases.
July 23, 2013 at 2:37 am |
I agree with both of you. It is sad that Americans have gotten to the point where they want to be “healed” right now rather than waiting to see if their body will take care of it. However, with all of the new technology and medications society has been pushed into the “fix me now” mind state. Can we really expect people to wait when we constantly hand them whatever they want immediately? I remember when I was little and would get sick my mom would wait a few days just to see if the simple at home remedies and medicines would do the trick, unless it was an emergency, and now I am the same way with my children. I do not see a point in putting so many different medications into their system now so that when they truly need them they will already be immune. If patients had “patience” then there wouldn’t be so much of a need for new and improved medications all the time. Just my opinion.
July 23, 2013 at 2:35 am |
You bring up a great point, the “quick fix” mentality that seems to be prominent in American lifestyles. It’s true that pressure is put on the healthcare providers to “fix it quick”. You can almost see why so many scripts are written. Instead of letting a minor condition run its course, we want immediate relief of symptoms. You see it a lot with common viruses or even minor bacterial infections. The body has the amazing ability to fight infection and should be allowed to attempt to heal itself. (Of course, I am referring to minor illnesses…I’m certainly not advocating self treatment of more serious conditions). We go into the doctor looking to come out with a magic pill to fix the problem, I feel many times doctor’s are just giving the patients what they want. “Patients” and “patience”….two totally different concepts:)
July 23, 2013 at 2:33 am |
Electronic communication is a great technology that has not only benefited the patient but the staff. This technology also allows healthcare personnel to communicate without faxes, phone calls, and paper medical records. Major corporations and hospitals will be able to access pertinent patient information to deliver quality health care services. Most importantly this information will be accurate and done in a timely manner.
July 23, 2013 at 2:32 am |
When my PCP switched over to computers I had to laugh at how slow he typed and at one point even asked him why he switched to a laptop rather than just paper information. He of course told me that it was quicker and he received the information from his staff a lot sooner than he normally would. With the technology they have now my doctor can type information and it will be at the front desk as soon as I walk out of the room. It really is quite amazing. Since most of the doctors I visit are through the same hospital they all have my information which means I do not have to repeat myself over and over anymore and I love it. I agree that there should be a study done, if that hasn’t been, on how many lives are saved by the information being at their fingertips at all times.
July 23, 2013 at 2:31 am |
I never even thought of the possibility of communicating with the doctor in such a way. I think the concept is amazing. I am a diabetic, and I have seen this glucose monitor that can connect to your hard drive on your PC and when you check your sugars it automatically uploads the data so your primary care physician can keep track your progress. This new technology is very interesting to me and is definitely making the healthcare industry faster and more efficient. Maybe I should buy this new glucose monitor, HA!
July 23, 2013 at 2:30 am |
What an informative response! I don’t have any experience working in the healthcare field, so your input from hands on experience has been so helpful. We do use an electronic record system for training our fitness clients. We too can input data such as RHR, weight, age, BMI, gender, VO2 max, and drugs prescribed to help us develop and promote a training program specific to our client needs. It’s been a great tool when graphing success…we all know that success is not only shown as a decrease on the scale, but can also be seen through reduction of medications needed or a reduction in BMI.
July 23, 2013 at 2:27 am |
Another benefit of the EMR is the mass amount of data that can be extracted for continued care. If there is a recall on a certain drug I can quickly run a list of every patient ever prescribed that drug or currently taking it. I can run a report based on every male between the ages of xx and xx with a blood pressure between xx and xx with a diagnosis of xxxxxx. For preventive care we constantly run reports to eliminate gaps in care by running reports on when a service needs to be done – a blood draw, a colonoscopy, a mammogram. Any hard data can be extracted and reported to provide continued care. This is a great tool when doing disease management. They are even testing programs now where the patient can take their own blood pressure or finger poke – enter this on their home computer or smart phone and the data will upload to the patients medical record and the doctor can monitor it from his office.
Links
Healthcare informatics Resources, May, 24, 2013, Electronic Communication [blog post]
https://healthcare-informatics-resources.com/2013/05/24/seasonal-allergies-comment/
Healthcare informatics Resources, May, 22, 2013, Electronic Communication [blog post]
https://healthcare-informatics-resources.com/2013/05/22/electronic-communication-comment/
July 23, 2013 at 2:20 am |
Electronic communications creates entirely new ways to interact. Increasingly, physicians are communicating with other practitioners, hospitals, clinics and patients via portable devices. At times, these communications include patient names, medical history, payment history, diagnosis and treatment. Proponents argue that use of electronic portable devices improves communication, and therefore, improves and expedites patient care. There are also many concerns that outweigh the benefits of electronic communication.