Library Research Assignment: Technology In Health Care Has M

Library Research Assignmenttechnology In Health Care Has Made It Possi

Provide a definition of outpatient care. Discuss 2–3 ways in which technological innovations have impacted, or will impact, the delivery of care in the United States. Discuss 2–3 ways in which technology has had, or is expected to have, a detrimental impact on the delivery of care.

Paper For Above instruction

Outpatient care, also known as ambulatory care, refers to medical services provided to patients who do not require hospital admission for an overnight stay. These services encompass a broad spectrum, including diagnostics, treatment, preventive services, and minor surgical procedures performed in settings such as clinics, doctor’s offices, outpatient surgery centers, and community health facilities. The primary characteristic of outpatient care is that patients are typically discharged on the same day, allowing for greater flexibility and often lower costs compared to inpatient hospitalization.

The advent and integration of technological innovations have significantly transformed healthcare delivery in the United States. Firstly, electronic health records (EHRs) have revolutionized how patient information is stored and shared among healthcare providers. EHRs facilitate instantaneous access to comprehensive patient histories, laboratory results, imaging, and medication lists, thereby enhancing the coordination and quality of care. For instance, studies have shown that EHR implementation reduces medical errors and improves patient safety by providing clinicians with real-time data (Buntin et al., 2011). Furthermore, telehealth has emerged as a major technological advancement, especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth platforms enable remote consultations, monitoring, and even some diagnostic procedures, expanding access to care—particularly in rural or underserved areas—and reducing the need for physical visits (Smith et al., 2020). Additionally, wearable health devices like fitness trackers, glucose monitors, and blood pressure cuffs have empowered patients to actively participate in their health management, providing continuous data that informs personalized treatment plans and encourages preventive care (Kao et al., 2018).

While technological innovations have positively impacted healthcare delivery, they also present challenges that may hinder effective care. One such detrimental impact is the potential increase in healthcare costs. Although technology aims to improve efficiency, the initial investment in infrastructure, devices, and training can be substantial. Moreover, the proliferation of costly health IT systems and ongoing maintenance expenses may lead healthcare providers to pass these costs onto patients, thereby increasing out-of-pocket expenditures (Monegain, 2019). Another concern is data privacy and security. The digitization of health information creates vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and data breaches, which can compromise patient confidentiality and erode trust in healthcare providers. These security issues require continuous investment in cybersecurity measures, which may strain healthcare organizations’ resources (Kumar et al., 2020). Furthermore, technology-driven disparities, known as the digital divide, pose a barrier to equitable care. Patients without access to reliable internet or the necessary devices may be marginalized, leading to inequalities in access to the benefits of health IT innovations (Gibbons et al., 2020). This digital divide exacerbates existing healthcare disparities, potentially worsening health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

References

• Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The Benefits of Health Information Technology: A Review of the Recent Literature Shows Predominantly Positive Results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464–471.
• Gibbons, M. C., et al. (2020). Addressing the Digital Divide in Healthcare: The Role of Telehealth. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), e16227.
• Kao, M. C., et al. (2018). Wearable Devices and Digital Health for Diabetes Management. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 20(S1), S-54–S-61.
• Kumar, S., et al. (2020). Data Security Challenges in Healthcare Information Systems. Healthcare Informatics Research, 26(2), 70-77.
• Monegain, B. (2019). Healthcare IT Costs: Impact and Strategies. Healthcare Finance News. Retrieved from https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com
• Smith, A., et al. (2020). The Rise of Telemedicine in the COVID-19 Era. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 6(2), e19076.