WK 5-1 Research Assignment: Technology in Health Care

Technology in Health Care
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Technology in Health Care
The health care sector reforms in the US have evolved in response to accessibility, cost, and quality. The health care system is faced with enormous challenges in attempt to expand access at the same time containing costs and quality. Even though accessibility has improved, the fragmented nature of delivering care services makes it difficult to effectively coordinate care. Accordingly, this paper analyzes historical perspectives of health care systems in the US providing two examples concerning healthcare delivery in relation to information, accessibility, and individual perception concerning health care services.
Historical Perspectives Regarding the Delivery of Health Care in the United States
Historically, chronic illnesses were associated with death, due to advanced technology; patients suffering from chronic illness have hopes of surviving longer. Compared to today, during the 19th century, doctors were the only health care personnel permitted to diagnose and treat patients (Calzone et al., 2010). With advanced technology, patients are more active and involved in their health. Information is readily available; hence, public perception has equally shifted regarding disease management.
During the 19th century, doctors played important roles in managing care; doctors were responsible for educating patients and providing all the relevant health –related information. Doctors were more dedicated and so the patients received the best care. Doctors handled patients with care from the moment the patient entered the examination room until the day the patient would be discharged (Miliard, 2012).
After discharge, doctors were responsible for ensuring that patients recovered fully by conducting home visits. With advanced technology and the increased demand for healthcare services, doctor’s roles have changed with nurses. Other health care personnel have adopted certain roles previously reserved for doctors. Current health care systems comprise of specialized care plans where all the basic functions of health care delivery are integrated. Technology has changed the world; this is more evident in the health care systems (Huston, 2014).
Health care reforms has been fueled mostly by technological advancements, for example, genetic testing and the use of electronic patient records are new methods used for diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses. Genetic testing is increasingly being used to identify and predict genes that might increase the risk of developing cancer and other chronic illnesses like sickle cell anemia. Technology can also be used to determine certain types of genes that can be inherited by children before they are born (Huston, 2014).
Electronic health records have resulted to flexible ways of documenting and storing patient medical records. An electronic patient health record is an effective process of capturing and storing patient health records that can be accessed from any location (Haughom, Kriz, & McMillan, 2011). Advanced technology enables patients to be actively involved in self-care. Patients can use mobile devices to monitor their blood pressure and perform simple self-care activities (Hu...