The Health Care System of today not only looks at its effectiveness, but also focuses on its efficiency. In order to do this, it must keep up with new technologies to store, share and analyze health information. technology has forged a way to improve communications between patients and providers. One of the most comprehensive tech tool for communications is called Electronic Health Records, as they allow the doctor to access a patient's records when necessary at a moments notice. Because of this digital format, if needed, patients medical information can be shared with other medical specialists in order to improve healthcare treatments.
Survey shows more use of EMR
A new survey released this month by the American Hospital Association's Health Forum, shows that the information and digital computerization of medical records has increased in recent years. Survey data shows:
- 62 percent of hospitals and doctors input data into a patient's electronic health record.
- Almost 70 percent use the electronic records as a tool for care management.
- 32 percent use technology to track patients care conditions.
- 45 percent use health IT to set up a care plan that would best fit the patient.
- To improve home monitoring, 74 percent use secure emails to keep patient and family informed and in touch with care team.
- 68 percent use health IT that allows patients to request prescription renewals from their mobile devices.
Patients benefit from technology
Health care technology has also had a big impact on patients as they are now allowed to access this digital format and not only view the details of their health care from home, but are also allowed to add items like their family health history, exercise programs, dietary goals, and health related documents, such as living wills or medical power of attorney documents.
The patient can also schedule appointments, chat with doctors and/or nurses online about their health conditions and treatments, schedule medical test and view lab test and other medical test. The technology has greatly empowered individuals to take charge over their health outcomes in a transparent and effective way.
Positive future ahead
Since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have fully integrated the use of electronic health records into their program in 2011, studies and reports recently done show positive results, including a reduction in adverse medical procedures among surgery, cardiovascular and pneumonia patients. It has also been shown that nearly half of today's hospitals use the telehealth when providing behavioral health services.
As healthcare systems integrate with the technological world, visions of self diagnosing patches, electronic doctor visits and instruments that will heal as it passes over a damaged area of the body are not too far from the future.
