User:Jnbono/sandbox

Mobile Technology and Healthcare Mobile Technology has been emerging in healthcare by providing quality healthcare to the patient in their hands. With rising costs in healthcare and the influx of ever changing technology, most notably from Apple Inc, mobile technology is an increasing method of delivering patients information without always going to their physician immediately. Over the last 15 - 20 years, engineers and electronic manufacturers have been revolutionizing how consumers and telephone communications have impacted our daily lives. Revolution with Electronic Health Records 52% of of participants of a survey have found that smart phone users accessed healthcare information for their personal use. Before this the main method of accessing healthcare information was and still is the computer, library, schooling and making appointments with your physician. One of the most convenient ways a physician and patient can tighten their relationship is through electronic health records during a scheduled visit. For healthcare facilities that can afford electronic health records, paper records is yesterday's news. With electronic health records there no longer has to be digging through old patient charts. Physicians and other medical professionals can access the patients health history right in front of them which includes, name, date of birth, past diagnosis's, surgical and procedural history, important vital signs, conditions like if they are diabetic, allergies and much more pertinent information. This creation saves time and saves costs by delivering information to both parties almost instantaneously. Other Mobile Technology Physicians are able to host video talk sessions with patients regarding the need for an appointment. Another technique that offers the patient to capture information and relay it to their physician is the patient portal. The patient portal also provides medical history and it also allows the patient to communicate to their physician through messaging. Besides messaging, the patient can also view prescription information, book appointments, cancel appointments, and allows them to see past appointments. Mobile carts grant access to patients tests such as x-rays and at bedside. The ability to retrieve this type of information with the patient present highlights the quality of care given to the patient by allowing them to engage in their management. Mobile Health applications on smart phones can permit physicians to monitor their patients health. Apple introduced an application on their Apple Watch that allows patients to take their vital signs such as heart rate through their watch. Patients can find a peace of mind by giving them power to their own healthcare by monitoring conditions like atrial fibrillation and act as an electrocardiogram. Apple is taking the pressure off patients and the costs they must endure through co-payments otherwise they must utilize. Pacemakers and Pain management Doctors have the ability to implant loop recorders and pacemakers to monitor patients heart rhythm. Pain management doctors can implant spinal cord stimulators to provide patients less pain through their nerves in their back. The battery works to charge the stimulator which acts like a pain pacemaker that blocks stimuli. The mobile device allows patients to relay information back to the doctor.

There are also nutritional applications for the smart phone to collect data and then build a diet plan for individuals that want or need to shape their lifestyle. Patients also have access to care journals and and medication reminders through their Apple Watch or iPhone. Other home care devices monitor patients with diabetes, mental health issues, pneumonia, and replacement surgery. These advances in healthcare through technology have decreased re-admissions emergency visits and doctors appointments which drive healthcare costs up. We are in a day of age where we no longer have to run to the doctor because for certain patients we can find relief from the aid of mobile technology. Combining healthcare and technology for patients will certainly be one of the cost saving and life saving innovations we will see in our lifetime. No wonder why the market values the healthcare technology sector to be at 158 billion dollars by 2022.

References

Greengard, S. (2018). Home monitoring of patients goes high-tech. Retrieved from https://www.physicianleaders.org/news/home-monitoring-patients-goes-high-tech

Lurie, A. (2018). How mobile technology is changing the healthcare industry. Retrieved from https://www.healthitoutcomes.com/doc/how-mobile-technology-is-changing-the-healthcare-industry-0001

Ventola C. L. (2014). Mobile devices and apps for health care professionals: uses and benefits. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(5), 356–364.