NURS 6051 HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

NURS 6051 HEALTHCARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

The use of technology in healthcare delivery has witnessed a significant surge over the past several years. The role of technology in furthering healthcare delivery and facilitating the coverage of greater numbers of people within a limited time frame is well documented. Among the various technology trends, this paper will focus on the Big Data technology, especially its potential risks, and benefits. Healthcare institutions have become more and more customer-oriented as a result of the application of big data technology in healthcare.

Indeed, big data technology is very beneficial to healthcare because not only does it enhance operational efficiencies, but it also improves access to clinical data for analysis purposes, as well as facilitates the analysis of huge quantities patient data within a limited timeframe. According to Wang, Kung, and Byrd (2020), when implemented, big data has a dual potential. Firstly, it improves IT effectiveness and efficiency and, secondly, it supports the optimization of clinical operations. Notwithstanding the manifold benefits of big data technology, its use in healthcare delivery comes with a number of challenges. The primary challenge with which healthcare organizations using this technology have to grapple is data storage, given that the sheer volume of the data to be stored raises a critical cost, security and performance issue for the IT department.

As far as data security is concerned, the advantage of big data trends is that huge volumes of patient data can be stored without exposure to the risk of access by unauthorized parties. This is critical for patient care where patient privacy is paramount. One of risks that may be associated with this technology is the possibility of the system being hacked.However, this risk is mitigated by the existence of a legislative framework that guarantees the security of patient information.

In my opinion, the most significant and promising technological trend for nursing practice is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI algorithms ate designed to make decisions, often using real-time data. Healthcare is increasingly becoming a major area for AI research and applications. This technology trend has the potential to impact all areas of the healthcare. By way of example, diagnostics are now being revolutionized by image recognition. Now, the goal of artificial intelligence is to improve patient care outcomes. Additionally, it aims to align the interests of various parties involved and reduce healthcare costs (Wagner, 2019). Storing and generating new data and putting Electronic Medical Record data in the hands of patients promises to be a revolution in clinical studies and healthcare delivery in general (Healthcare Information Management and Systems Society, 2019).

Artificial intelligence (AI) trends are revolutionizing the healthcare sector. Indeed, AI is increasingly used as a medical device and is being rebranded by Big Pharma. Algorithm-based healthcare solutions rely on well-established models of conditions, treatments and outcomes. AI technology has the potential to compare stored patient data sets to identify the most appropriate course of treatment. In contrast to doctors, artificial intelligence has the potential to review and connect much more data faster compared to how doctors can reach a conclusion(Wagner, 2019). AI applications in healthcare increases the data collection for algorithmic analysis. Also, it is able to expand data sets and analytics not only within but also beyond geographical boundaries. As a result of aggregated data sets, made available by artificial intelligence, doctors and other healthcare providers are able to deliver better outcomes and results based on patient information and the performance of treatment option.

References

Wagner, M. (2019). Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Patient Outcomes. Retrieved from: https://www.trapollo.com/artificial-intelligence-to-improve-patient-outcomes/Links to an external site.