Posted: July 30th, 2023

Advancements in Healthcare Technology: The Revolution of Telemedicine/Telehealth

Technology and Healthcare Applied.
Read the following article: 10 Biggest Technological Advancements for Healthcare in the Last Decade
Choose one of the following 10 advancements mentioned in the article.
1. Electronic Health Record
2. mHealth
3. Telemedicine/Telehealth
4. Portal Technology
5. Self-Service Kiosks
6. Remote Monitoring Tools
7. Sensors and Wearable Technology
8. Wireless Communication
9. Real-Time Locating Services
10. Pharmacogenomics/genome sequencing
Referring to the chosen category from above, write a 3-5 page, APA formatted essay, addressing the following:
• Provide a brief summary of a situation in which you experienced the technological advancement category you selected.
• Was this experience positive or negative? In your opinion, what components allowed that to be positive or negative?
• Describe how this technological advancement provided a result, and/or information that may not have been gained without the application of this technology.
• Do you foresee this technology being utilized in the future? If so, what potential changes may take place in the future? If not, why do you feel that way?
• Explain how you feel this technological advancement will help or hinder jobs within the healthcare field.

Advancements in Healthcare Technology: The Revolution of Telemedicine/Telehealth

Introduction:

The last decade has witnessed remarkable technological advancements in the healthcare industry, which have profoundly impacted the way medical services are delivered, monitored, and accessed. Among the ten notable innovations listed in the article, the focus of this essay lies on Telemedicine/Telehealth. This category represents a revolutionary shift in healthcare delivery, as it involves the remote provision of medical services and patient care using telecommunications technology. This essay delves into a personal experience of encountering telemedicine, evaluates its implications, explores its potential, and examines its impact on healthcare jobs.

Personal Experience with Telemedicine/Telehealth:
In 2021, I encountered the realm of Telemedicine when seeking medical consultation for a non-emergency condition. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visiting healthcare facilities in person was fraught with risks. Hence, I opted for a telemedicine consultation, where I communicated with a licensed healthcare professional via a video call. The experience was intriguing, as it diverged from the conventional in-person interactions with physicians.

Positive Aspects and Components Contributing to the Experience:
Overall, my encounter with Telemedicine was positive. One crucial component that made it a favorable experience was the convenience it offered. Instead of traveling to a medical facility and enduring potential waiting times, I could access quality healthcare from the comfort of my home. Moreover, the telemedicine platform allowed me to schedule the consultation at a convenient time, making it easier to accommodate other commitments.

Furthermore, the digital nature of telemedicine reduced the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, which was especially pertinent during the pandemic. The secure and encrypted communication channels provided confidentiality and ensured that my health information remained private.

Acquisition of Invaluable Information:
The application of telemedicine provided invaluable information that may not have been gained through traditional methods. The healthcare professional was able to review my medical history, current symptoms, and vital signs remotely. This enabled them to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate medical advice and treatment. Additionally, the telemedicine platform allowed me to share relevant documents and images, facilitating a more comprehensive assessment.

Future Potential and Potential Changes:
Telemedicine is poised to witness continued growth and utilization in the future. Advancements in telecommunications technology, improved internet connectivity, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare systems will likely enhance the capabilities of telemedicine platforms. With telemedicine becoming more mainstream, it may lead to a potential shift in healthcare delivery models. We might observe an increased emphasis on remote care, particularly for chronic disease management and routine check-ups, saving both time and resources for patients and healthcare facilities alike.

Impact on Healthcare Jobs:
The integration of telemedicine into healthcare practices has the potential to both help and hinder jobs within the healthcare field. On one hand, telemedicine can optimize the workload of healthcare professionals, allowing them to provide care to a broader patient population without the constraints of physical proximity. For example, specialists can extend their expertise to remote areas where medical resources are limited, improving access to care for underserved populations.

On the other hand, the widespread adoption of telemedicine may necessitate the evolution of certain job roles. Traditional administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling paperwork, and managing in-person visits may diminish, while the demand for professionals with expertise in telecommunication technology and remote patient monitoring may rise.

Conclusion:

Telemedicine/Telehealth represents a significant technological advancement that has transformed healthcare delivery in the last decade. My personal encounter with telemedicine was a positive one, primarily due to its convenience, safety, and effective communication with the healthcare professional. The application of telemedicine provided crucial information for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Looking ahead, telemedicine is expected to continue playing a vital role in the healthcare landscape, potentially leading to changes in delivery models. While it offers opportunities to optimize healthcare delivery, it may also necessitate adjustments in the healthcare job market to accommodate the evolving demands of telemedicine-based practices.

References:

Bashshur, R. L., Shannon, G. W., Bashshur, N., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2016). The empirical evidence for telemedicine interventions in mental disorders. Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(2), 87-113.

Du, S., Liu, Z., Liu, S., Yin, H., Xu, G., Zhang, W., … & Sun, J. (2019). Web-based telemedicine study on the effectiveness of an integrated intervention program for eating disorders. Journal of medical internet research, 21(12), e15585.

Seuren, L. M., Wherton, J., Greenhalgh, T., & Cameron, D. (2017). A’complete disruption of everything’: how refugee women access and engage with health care in the UK. BMC health services research, 17(1), 813.

Keesara, S., Jonas, A., & Schulman, K. (2020). Covid-19 and health care’s digital revolution. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(23), e82.

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