IV Motion
Technology in healthcare has evolved dramatically over the last decade. It has become an integral part of health care. The Australian government has recognised the significance of technology in improving the quality of health care and maintaining optimal patient care. It has encouraged the growth of information technology in the healthcare industry. In response to this, private companies in Australia are choosing the health care sector as a strategic business opportunity. A closer look at technology in healthcare shows that technology is playing a greater role in delivering improved services.
Electronic medical record systems such a medical director have replaced the older manual storage of patient records. This enables more efficient and secure tracking of patient records, vital signs, lab tests, and medical procedures. This helps manage the flow of information in the system and makes it easier for the health care team to work as a team to provide effective health care. Electronic medical record systems also reduce patient fraud and improve data security.
Biometric technology is a growing area of technology in healthcare. It involves using identifying characteristics of individuals such as fingerprints or face recognition to access secure areas of a computer network. By using biometric technology, healthcare organisations can identify and enroll individuals into long-term care facilities, pharmacies, hospitals, and independent living centers. By enrolling individuals in these facilities, providers are taking advantage of the latest technologies available.
Video surveillance systems and laboratory diagnostic testing equipment have also been developed to improve patient care. These video surveillance systems help prevent escapes from unsafe environments, for example, by preventing patients from self-medicating with contaminated medical devices. Likewise, laboratory diagnostic testing equipment helps to confirm diagnosis and prescribe treatment for illnesses early on. Some of these machines are now used in hospice care. In both of these settings, the elderly and sick often need urgent care and using these diagnostic systems helps to save lives.
Healthcare workers now routinely use computers and other technology designed for their specific jobs. Electronic patient records help to keep medical histories and current treatments. Some clinics and hospitals require staff members to download software onto their personal computers before entering the facility. This technology enables them to perform tasks that were formerly handled only by doctors and nurses. Telephones, printers, faxes, and other office software are increasingly using to create workflow processes that simplify patients’ visits to their doctors and hospitals.
Healthcare workers in Australia have access to appointment scheduling, patient education, electronic medical billing, and computerized patient management systems. Health information systems have also become more widespread, thanks to state-of-the-art systems designed by companies such as Epic, NetIQ, Smartech and medical director New systems, like those produced by Smartech, make it easier for healthcare providers to handle and track various medical records, including those produced by specialists. Many other types of technology designed to improve healthcare are also becoming popular. One example is interactive digital software developed by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
In addition to facilitating better care, modern technology helps nurses and doctors do their jobs better. For example, electronic prescribing helps to ensure that doctors can quickly write orders for drugs to be dispensed. New technologies allow doctors to answer phone calls and schedule appointments without moving from their desk. New software also helps healthcare workers keep abreast of their caseloads and to provide more efficient care to patients.
Another type of medical technology specifically useful to healthcare workers is electronic patient records, or EPR. EPR works much like a credit card. It keeps detailed records of a doctor’s or nurse’s patient history, along with other information. Doctors and nurses can view EPR graphs and charts, along with all of the doctor’s or nurse’s notes. EPR software has improved the way that doctors order supplies, monitor patient levels of oxygen and nutrients, and transfer information between various healthcare and hospital staff departments. As more health care professionals to learn how to work with EPR systems, the benefits are becoming widely known and embraced around the world.
