Technology in health care has made it possible for patients to use devices to access their medical information, monitor vital signs, take tests at home, and carry out a plethora of other tasks that could only previously be conducted inside the doctor’s office (Topol, 2013). This enhanced technology is one of the many reasons that there has been a shift from inpatient to outpatient care. Although patients have benefited greatly from health care technology, there are also downsides to technology, such as how it has affected the cost of care. For this Discussion Board assignment, you should complete the following:
Provide a definition of outpatient care.
Discuss 2–3 ways in which technological innovations have impacted, or will impact, the delivery of care in the United States.
Discuss 2–3 ways in which technology has had, or is expected to have, a detrimental impact on the delivery of care.
Full Answer Section
- Virtual reality: Virtual reality is being used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Virtual reality can also be used to train surgeons and other medical professionals.
- Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is being used to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments. AI can also be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that may not be visible to humans.
Here are 2-3 ways in which technology has had, or is expected to have, a detrimental impact on the delivery of care:
- Cost: The cost of health care technology can be high, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs for patients.
- Data security: Health care data is a valuable target for hackers, and security breaches can have serious consequences for patients.
- Disruption: Technological innovations can disrupt the traditional doctor-patient relationship. Patients may feel like they are not getting the same level of care when they are interacting with a machine or computer program.
Overall, the impact of technology on the delivery of health care has been mostly positive. However, there are some potential downsides that need to be addressed. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks.
Sample Answer
Outpatient care is any medical treatment or procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Outpatient care can be provided in a doctor's office, clinic, or urgent care center.
Here are 2-3 ways in which technological innovations have impacted, or will impact, the delivery of care in the United States:
- Telehealth: Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to provide medical care remotely. This can include video conferencing, phone calls, and email. Telehealth can make it easier for patients to access care, especially those who live in rural areas or have difficulty getting to the doctor's office.