Running Head: HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE

Health Technology and Patients Care

N.D.
Bay Path University

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE

Technology is a vital component in healthcare. Nursing practice has significantly

advanced with the innovation of computerized information and instant access to resources.
Nurses are continuously challenged to provided safe, timely, effective, efficient, accessible
patient-centered care in a range of environments (Blais & Hayes, 2016, p.300). As technology
progresses and improves, so are the tools we use for our daily jobs. With any new innovation,
there are always advantages and disadvantages. As technology progresses and improves, so are
the tools we use for our daily jobs. Utilization of computerized technology in healthcare has its
advantages and disadvantages.
Nowadays technology has improved patient care outcomes in many ways, one of them is
the streamline of information and availability of information when nurses take care of patients.
Nursing workflow is improved from the convenience of accessing data including all patients
records such as physicians notes, history and physicals, consults, diagnostic test, laboratory test
and diet orders. The implementation of technology enabled electronic medical records (EMR) to
provide medical alerts and reminders preventing from nurses and physicians from making a
mistake. (Palma, 2013). Cassano reports that the nurse's ultimate goal through the use of
information technology is patient education while providing high-quality care and most
importantly patient safety (2014). With the availability of information at the fingertips, a nurse
can provide necessary education to patients, even in languages other than English. Another
benefit of healthcare technology is for organizations to process information for billing and
coding purposes much easier. Physician and attending doctors in teaching hospitals are able to
sign-off for residents, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners without leaving their office or

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE

at any workstation in the hospital. According to review by Secginli, Erdogan, & Monsen, the
implementation of electronic healthcare records (EHR), found that the primary care health
professionals agreed that the EHR improved the overall quality of care, reduced medicationrelated errors, improved follow-up with patients about test results, and improved communication
among health professionals (2014, p. 16). Finally, one of the last advantages is that technology
offers greater storage capabilities compare to patient paper charts.
Technology, specifically EMR, has few disadvantages. Security of patient's information
was an issue with paper charts and still is with the EMRs. Griffith reports that maintaining the
confidentiality of patient health information is a fundamental element of the law and professional
practice for all registered nurses (2015, p. 894). Although EMR is an exciting and positive
innovation in the healthcare, it also creates concerns for security and confidentiality of the
patient health information. Blais and Hayes reported that HIPPA requires improved efficiency
of healthcare delivery by standardizing electronic data interchange and protecting confidentiality
and security of health data through setting and enforcing standards (2016, p. 305). In addition,
few barriers to implementation of EMR are cost, complexity, difficulty of use, and threats to data
security and privacy (Palma, 2014). Higher start-up cost and maintenance expenses, backup plan
in case of a data loss or computer crash. Finally, an adequate education to all staff members,
about EMR is essential to make the best of out of the electronic health records.
Baystate Medical Center utilizes electronic charting to document all medications and
almost all interventions patient had during the day. Documentation is done in real time and the
system is able to collect the date to compare outcomes on monthly or even daily basis. It a great
tool for providers and nurses to aid in providing better care. Physicians are able instantly to

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE

access patients records, and it is easy for consulting doctors and attendings to communicate
about a patient. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996
created a national standard to protect patient medical information. With appropriately filled out
consent for disclosure of information, the HIPPA act allows for access to patient medical
information. Baystate Information Technology (IT) monitors and inspects data on all of its
computers and performs audits on who had assessed the patient health information. The
protected health information can be available only to individuals who are performing job-related
duties. An appropriate clearance from the information technology officers is required for all
individuals who would have any access to EMR. Physicians, nurses, and supporting staff are
responsible for maintaining their computer workstations safe and secure from the general public
who is visiting their close one.
As nurses, we have a duty to protect patients confidentiality and integrity. Although
working in a fast paced environment, nurses must be mindful of security of patient's EMR and
protect patient electronic medical records from inappropriate access by outsiders. The evolving
nature of the IT field requires nurses to stay educated about updated privacy laws and new
security measures. The nursing Code of Ethics emphasizes that the nurse safeguards the
patients right to privacy and are required to keep all patient information confidential (Nursing
World, 2011). While receiving culturally competent, safe and adequate care the patients should
be able to participate without apprehension for their privacy and confidentiality to be breached.

HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND PATIENT CARE

References
Blais, K., & Hayes, J. (2016). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (7th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall
Cassano, C. (2014). The Right Balance Technology and Patient Care. Online Journal of
Nursing Informatics, 18(3). Retrieved March 18, 2016 from http://www.himss.org
Griffith, R. (2015). Patient information: confidentiality and the electronic record. British Journal
of Nursing, 24(17), 894-895. doi:10.12968/bjon.2015.24.17.894
Palma, G. (2013). Electronic health records: The good, the bad and the ugly. Beckers Health IT
and CIO Review. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from
http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/electronichealth-records-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.html
Secginli, S., Erdogan, S., & Monsen, K. A. (2014). Attitudes of health professionals towards
electronic health records in primary health care settings: a questionnaire survey.
Informatics for Health & Social Care, 39(1), 15-32. doi:10.3109/17538157.2013.834342