RESPONSE#2

Respond to your colleagues, offering additional/alternative ideas regarding opportunities and risks related to the observations shared.

  At least 2 references in each peer responses!

  
In my healthcare organization, there are many general healthcare technology trends we use daily. Most frequently, the use of the electronic health record (EHR), which is essentially a digital version of a paper chart (HealthIT.gov, 2018c). These EHR’s contain vital information for assessment and treatment for patients. The medical history, allergies, current medications, and treatment plans are all examples of what can be in the EHR (HealthIT.gov, 2018c). In addition to the chart containing all this information, it makes it accessible for all workers involved in the patient’s care to share information over a secure server. For example, physicians, nurses, laboratories, and pharmacies can all view vital healthcare information as well as share information among each other (HealthIT.gov, 2018c).
One potential drawback to using the EHR is patient perception. The use of the computer is vital to patient care and sometimes distances us from the patient or family members. In the last 30 years, the computer has come between this patient-centered approach to patient care (Sobral, Rosenbaum, & Figueiredo-Braga, 2015). It is widely known that a patient-centered approach brings better compliance, patient outcomes, and better patient satisfaction (Sobral, Rosenbaum, & Figueiredo-Braga, 2015). One benefit is that patients can easily access their lab and test results and communicate with physicians at home through patient portals. In the environment we live in, healthcare providers need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to recommend and navigate these digital tools (Skiba, 2017).
The healthcare trend I think is most promising, is telehealth. Just this week, my husband and I have both utilized these services with the COVID-19 restrictions on leaving the house. If someone is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, instead of leaving the house to see a doctor for mild symptoms, a call can be made from home and possibly prevent the spread of disease to others. Medicare has even gone so far as to expand payment for telehealth to ensure people feel comfortable using this type of technology in hopes of preventing the spread of COVID-19.