The Information Age is affecting every aspect of modern life. The Internet has become essential to the health care systems all over the world as information can be transferred electronically in a matter of seconds. Diagnosing diseases, new therapies or drugs, the possibilities of pandemics and even more can be found instantly on the World Wide Web. From medical records to prescription histories to doctor and pharmacy comparisons, the information is readily available. Patient care is improving with the use of Electronic Health Care Technology.
Innovations in Electronic Health Care
Computer programs for health records are being put into data bases for immediate access in case of emergencies. If a person is traveling away from home and requires medical attention, the records are easily available to identify drug allergies, existing conditions and ongoing treatments to insure that a new doctor won’t inadvertently prescribe something that could produce a bad reaction. Drugs themselves are now in data bases with reporting as to side effects so that doctors, pharmacists and patients can be aware of any possible hazards. With Electronic Health Care Technology, patients, doctors and pharmacists can coordinate their efforts for the best interests of everyone involved.
Improving Patient Care with Computers
No one can remember every medication they have ever taken, every illness they have ever had or even what drugs they may be allergic to, especially in an emergency situation. Computerized medical records can provide all the necessary information to a doctor before he/she begins to treat a new patient. E prescribing can not only cut down on the time required for a patient to get the necessary medications from the pharmacy, but it can also eliminate errors in prescriptions due to the handwriting of a doctor. The pharmacy data base can also prevent accidentally prescribing drugs that interact badly.
Overview
Medical technology and health care innovations come in many forms. E prescribing, data bases, drug monitoring and reporting, and a wide variety of other information sources are available now that are saving lives and improving the health care field. Technology enables doctors to treat their patients and prescribe medications more efficiently and with less chance of error than ever before. Computerized records, computerized surgeries and innovative tracking methods for diseases are constantly advancing modern health care. From robots to micro-surgery to IVR, medical technology is making patient care better and better.
Resources:
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11897&page=12
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb174922.htm
http://www.healthtechsys.com/newsrelease1.html