Week 7 Assignment 3: Mobile Computing Submission

Week 7 Assignment 3 Submission Assignment 3 Mobile Computing And Soc

Compare and contrast monitoring of patient vital signs using mobile computing technology to in-patient visits to the doctor’s office or hospital. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile computing technology to monitor patients. Assess the security concerns with regard to the transmission of personal medical information over wireless networks. Assess the use of social networking for group support for patients with similar medical concerns. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

Mobile computing has revolutionized the healthcare industry by enabling remote monitoring of vital signs and facilitating continuous patient engagement outside traditional clinical settings. Traditionally, patient vital signs such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and oxygen saturation were primarily monitored during in-person visits to healthcare facilities. These visits often involved physical presence at hospitals or clinics where healthcare professionals perform measurements and evaluate the patient's health status. While effective, this approach has limitations, including scheduling constraints, geographic barriers, and delayed data collection. In contrast, mobile computing technology allows for real-time, continuous monitoring through wearable devices and connected sensors that transmit data wirelessly to healthcare providers, potentially transforming patient management and outcomes.

Monitoring patient vital signs via mobile computing offers numerous advantages over conventional in-person visits. Firstly, it promotes early detection of health deterioration by providing continuous data streams, which can lead to timely interventions. Secondly, it enhances patient convenience and compliance by eliminating frequent clinic visits, especially for chronic disease management. Thirdly, it enables remote patient management, thus expanding healthcare access in rural or underserved areas where medical facilities may be sparse. Additionally, mobile health (mHealth) tools foster patient engagement and health education by providing instant feedback and personalized health insights, empowering patients to take control of their health.

However, there are notable disadvantages associated with mobile computing-based monitoring. The accuracy and reliability of consumer-grade devices may vary, raising concerns about data validity. Technical issues such as device malfunctions, connectivity disruptions, or data transmission failures can compromise the quality of care. Moreover, the reliance on technology can lead to digital divides, where older adults or socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may lack access or familiarity with such devices, thereby exacerbating health disparities. Furthermore, the absence of direct clinical oversight during remote monitoring raises questions about missed diagnoses or delayed responses to critical health changes, especially if alerts are not properly managed or understood.

Security concerns are paramount in transmitting personal medical information over wireless networks. The sensitivity of health data makes it a prime target for cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Wireless transmission channels are inherently vulnerable to eavesdropping, interception, and hacking if not properly secured. Healthcare organizations must implement robust encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and secure data storage practices to safeguard patient privacy. Regulatory frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) impose strict requirements on data protection, necessitating ongoing security audits and staff training to prevent data breaches. The proliferation of connected devices further multiplies potential vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security strategies in mobile health ecosystems.

In addition to individual monitoring, social networking platforms have become valuable tools for group support among patients with similar medical conditions. Online communities on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and specialized health forums facilitate information sharing, emotional support, and peer encouragement, which can improve psychological well-being and adherence to treatment regimens. These virtual groups provide a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and enable patients to exchange practical advice based on lived experiences. However, the use of social networking for health support also introduces risks, including the dissemination of inaccurate information, privacy concerns, and lack of moderation or professional oversight. Ensuring the credibility of shared information and protecting patient confidentiality are ongoing challenges in leveraging social networks for health support.

In conclusion, mobile computing technology offers promising advantages for monitoring patient vital signs through enhanced convenience, early detection, and expanded access. Nonetheless, it presents challenges related to data accuracy, digital inclusion, and security. Simultaneously, social networking platforms serve as powerful tools for patient support but require careful management to mitigate misinformation and privacy issues. As mobile health continues to evolve, addressing these challenges through technological innovation, clinical validation, and regulatory oversight is critical to maximizing benefits while safeguarding patient rights and safety.

References

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  • Kruse, C. S., et al. (2017). Security techniques for the protection of health information: A review. JMIR Medical Informatics, 5(3), e26. https://doi.org/10.2196/medinform.7462
  • Shaw, R. J., Shaikh, I., & King, D. K. (2019). The role of social media in health care communication: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(5), e13066. https://doi.org/10.2196/13066
  • Gaddam, S., et al. (2021). Wearable sensors for remote health monitoring: A review of challenges and solutions. IEEE Sensors Journal, 21(21), 23973-23984. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2021.3125193
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  • World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guideline on digital health interventions. WHO Press. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240019555
  • Chen, J., et al. (2019). Privacy concerns and health data sharing in the era of digital health. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 19, 73. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-019-0762-y
  • Murphy, L., et al. (2022). Ethics and privacy in digital health: A review of current challenges. Digital Medicine, 6(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-022-00541-3
  • Park, Y. R., & Lee, S. (2021). The impact of social media on patient engagement and health literacy. Patient Education and Counseling, 104(4), 814-820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.014

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