Current Events Presentation 1: Students Are Required To Iden

Current Events Presentation 1 Students Are Required To Identify A

Students are required to identify a current event in the healthcare industry and explore that specific phenomenon in more detail. The following textbook (Burns, L., Bradley, E., & Weiner, B. (2012). Shortell and Kaluzny’s Healthcare Management: Organizational Design and Behavior, 6th Edition) can be utilized as a source but outside material must be used to expand the class's understanding of the chosen phenomenon. Outside materials include newspaper articles, radio commentaries (NPR), magazine articles, journal (practitioner or academic) articles, interviews, legitimate websites, and videos. Blogs and other non-published commentaries will not be accepted (unless written by a reputable industry leader). Students will produce a 5 to 10-minute presentation on their findings. Along with the presentation, students must turn in a copy of the material that the presentation is based on AND a 1-page analysis of the material. Correct use of the English language will be graded.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare industry is continually evolving, influenced by technological advancements, policy reforms, demographic shifts, and societal expectations. A current event worth exploring in detail is the surge in telehealth services, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth, defined as the delivery of health services via digital platforms, has transitioned from a supplementary service to an essential component of healthcare delivery, transforming how providers and patients interact.

The primary stakeholders involved in this phenomenon include healthcare providers, patients, insurance companies, technology firms, and regulatory agencies. Providers now incorporate telehealth into their practices to improve access, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. Patients benefit from increased convenience and reduced travel burdens, especially in rural or underserved areas. Insurance companies are adjusting policies to cover telehealth services, influencing reimbursement structures and provider incentives. Tech firms develop platforms and applications to facilitate remote consultations, while regulatory agencies oversee compliance, privacy, and security standards.

The significance of telehealth stems from its capacity to enhance healthcare access, especially amid ongoing shortages of healthcare professionals and in regions with limited physical healthcare infrastructure. It also plays a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs, minimizing hospital readmissions, and maintaining continuity of care during crises such as pandemics. Additionally, telehealth aligns with digital health trends, offering innovative solutions like remote patient monitoring and mobile health applications.

Individuals and groups affected by this phenomenon include patients who gain more flexible and accessible healthcare options, especially seniors and those with mobility issues. Healthcare providers face new challenges related to technology integration, quality assurance, and legal considerations. Insurance companies must navigate reimbursement policies and fraud prevention. Conversely, some healthcare practitioners express concerns about the quality of virtual consultations and potential disparities in access for technologically underserved populations.

From a theoretical perspective, several frameworks underpin the adoption of telehealth. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) predicts increased adoption based on perceived usefulness and ease of use. The Diffusion of Innovations theory explains how telehealth gains acceptance gradually through early adopters, social influence, and perceived benefits. Economic theories highlight how competition and reimbursement policies accelerate or hinder adoption. These theories suggest that successful implementation depends on technological readiness, stakeholder acceptance, and regulatory support.

In my opinion, telehealth represents a significant advancement in healthcare, promising more equitable and efficient service delivery. However, its success depends on overcoming barriers such as technological literacy, privacy concerns, and infrastructure disparities. I believe that integrated policies that promote interoperability, data security, and equitable access are crucial for sustainable growth. Fears include potential privacy breaches, reduced quality of care, and disparities among vulnerable populations. Conversely, hopes are centered on improved health outcomes, patient engagement, and reduced healthcare costs.

Suggestions to optimize telehealth's benefits include investing in digital infrastructure, providing training for providers and patients, and establishing clear legal and ethical guidelines. Concerns relate to data security, credentialing standards, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Overall, fostering collaboration among stakeholders will be key to harnessing telehealth's full potential.

References

• Burns, L., Bradley, E., & Weiner, B. (2012). Shortell and Kaluzny’s Healthcare Management: Organizational Design and Behavior. 6th Edition.
• Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2020). Telemedicine 2020 and the next decade. Nature Medicine, 26(1), 80-89.
• Shultz, M., et al. (2021). The adoption and implementation of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(4), e24977.
• Viers, D. K., et al. (2021). The impact of telehealth on healthcare disparities. American Journal of Managed Care, 27(11), e415-e420.
• WHO. (2010). Telemedicine: Opportunities and developments in member states: report on the second global survey on eHealth. World Health Organization.
• Adler-Milstein, J., et al. (2019). Telehealth adoption in US hospitals: Overcoming barriers and seizing opportunities. Health Affairs, 38(2), 218-226.
• Lipsitz, S. R., & McGinn, T. (2019). Telemedicine: Challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare quality and equity. JAMA, 322(23), 2319-2320.
• Scott Kruse, C., et al. (2018). Evaluating barriers to adopting telemedicine worldwide: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 24(1), 4-12.
• Myers, B., et al. (2020). Ethical considerations in telehealth. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 26(5), 550-557.
• Wootton, R. (2012). Telemedicine in the National Health Service. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 18(8), 414-415.