Tech Revolutionizing Healthcare: Wireless Tech Enhancing Efficiency - Essay Sample

Introduction

Healthcare is one of the sectors that have evolved in recent years and has significantly benefited from technology. Because of the evolution of technology, healthcare facilities are updating their procedures and system to make work easier (Latifi, 2011). Internal pressures to cut down operational costs and enhance efficiency in service delivery have also contributed to the observed changes in the sector. Therefore, technologies, such as wireless technology have advanced, changing the work environment. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the impact of technology, such as telemedicine in the decision-making process.

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Explanation of Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the use of technology to remotely deliver healthcare services to patients while they are not in hospitals. It happens with the help of telecommunication infrastructure within the healthcare setup (Latifi, 2011). Healthcare providers can use the technology to offer services, such as patient diagnosis, consultation, and treatment with the help of technologies, like video conferencing and smartphones. With the technology, there is no need for an in-person visit; hence, it enhances the provision of healthcare services. The technology is time-saving and can be used for minor consultations that do not require urgent medical attention.

Impact of Telemedicine

The first impact of telemedicine is that it has improved remote patient monitoring. It allows healthcare providers to monitor patients with chronic illnesses in their homes with the help of medical devices. The technology helps to gather data about patients, such as blood sugar levels and blood pressure; hence, no need for in-person visits (Latifi, 2011). Similarly, medical practitioners use the technology to share information with patients like the laboratory results, enhancing efficiency in service delivery since they do not have to wait for results queuing. It has been of significance to patients with difficulties in arranging hospital visits. In simple terms, the technology has removed many barriers affecting the active participation of patients and the management of health.

Impact of Telemedicine in the Decision-Making Process

The telemedicine technology impacted the decision of working full-time basis. Since the new development does not necessarily require patients to visit hospitals physically, I decided to work full-time since I can offer medical services while at home. Previously, working full-time meant that all healthcare providers should be present at the facility to attend patients. With the introduction of technology, it is possible to offer services. However, the technology requires consultation of minor consultations and services that do not require urgent medication. With the decision, I can serve more patients since it saves traveling time.

Description of the Impact of the Decision on the Decision

Telemedicine helped me to be available full-time while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Service delivery was based on in-person services before the introduction of technology. However, the invention helped to renegotiate for better working terms and conditions with the employer to allow attend online patients. For example, I could attend patients with chronic illness while attending lectures, and when at home. However, I can also offer in-person services when not attending lectures or examinations. Therefore, technology has not only removed barriers for patients but also healthcare practitioners.

Evolution of Telemedicine

The first instance of telemedicine happened in Pennsylvania in 1940. It involved a transfer of records between two towns, which were 24 miles apart. The breakthrough led to the development of a teleradiology system which was used in the Montreal area. At this stage, the technology was the research and development stage since inventors were not sure of the potential outcome but were determined. The University of Nebraska introduced the use of videos in the healthcare sector in1959 (Latifi, 2011). The growth ancient phase of the technology was the partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Indian Healthcare Services. The partnership used microwaves to transmit x-ray photographs and electrocardiographs. The advancement encouraged other healthcare facilities to adopt the technology creating solutions to barriers in the healthcare industry (Stone, 2017). The 1970s marked the maturity stage of the technology since physicians used the technology to communicate with the patients and share information online. The technology has become a norm due to internet connection.

Evolution of the Technology

At the research and development of technology, the technology was used by astronauts. They transmitted the result through satellites. The technology further improved when professionals used microwaves to transmit information (Stone, 2017). Currently, the technology uses the internet and wireless communication devices to enhance communication between patients and medical practitioners. Based on the trends, the technology is expected to evolve further to improve the speed of communication and offer mobile healthcare services.

Impact of Evolution on Healthcare Decision-Making

Evolution of the technology has improved healthcare decision-making since it has promoted the provision of personalized services. For example, healthcare providers focus on individual needs unlike when they are healthcare facilities. It has contributed to online consultancy services; thus, reducing the cost of operations (Stone, 2017). Secondly, it has changed the decision of providing care services to inpatients only. Individuals with chronic illness can access medical attention in their homes; thus, reducing the complications of traveling to healthcare facilities for medical checkups. Therefore, it has eliminated barriers in the provision of quality healthcare services.

Conclusion

Before the introduction of advanced technology in the healthcare sector, the service providers and users faced many challenges. For example, patients had to travel to hospitals for medical checkups and this is challenging to patients with chronic conditions. Information sharing was a challenge, affecting the efficiency of medical services. However, innovation in technology has removed these barriers, as well as reducing the cost of medication. The technology is likely to advance more in the future based on current trends. Therefore, innovation has affected decisions in healthcare.

References

Latifi, R. (2011). Telemedicine for trauma, emergencies, and disaster management. Boston: Artech House.

Stone, C. (2017). Benchmarking telemedicine: Improving health security in the Balkans. Washington: IOS Press.