Discuss one of the newer technologies that you have seen, used, or heard about and the impact it will have on healthcare delivery. We always hear a lot about the EHR and Telehealth, so try and choose something different. If you want to use one of these two, see if you can think of unique or different ways they are being used.
- Is the impact only positive or are there any negative impacts, as well?
- Is it worth the cost to healthcare?
- How do we keep supplying the latest and greatest technology that patients want and keep the cost reasonable?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
With the rapid advancements in technology and their integration in healthcare, healthcare delivery has become more efficient, accurate and patient-centric. One such technology that has gained popularity in recent times is wearables. Wearables are electronic devices that can be worn on the body and collect data related to health and fitness. In this answer, I will discuss how wearables are impacting healthcare delivery, their positive and negative impacts, their cost-effectiveness, and the strategies to keep up with the latest wearable technology.
Answer:
Wearables are a rapidly evolving technology that has the potential to transform healthcare delivery. These devices collect real-time data such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, footsteps, and more, and provide patients with valuable insights into their health and wellness. This technology is already being utilized in remote patient monitoring, disease management, wellness programs, and more.
One of the positive impacts of wearables is the ability to monitor patients remotely. Wearables can help patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, and asthma manage their conditions outside of the hospital settings. Physicians can monitor a patient’s progress and intervene when necessary, reducing hospital admissions and readmissions.
However, there are some negative impacts of wearables that need to be addressed. For instance, some patients may become overly dependent on these devices and ignore the obvious signs of their health problems. Additionally, there is a risk of patient data privacy that can negatively impact patients.
The cost-effectiveness of wearables is another concern. While the devices themselves may be affordable, the cost of the related infrastructure and personnel can add up quickly. The key is to determine how to integrate wearables into existing health systems to minimize additional costs.
One strategy for keeping up with the latest wearable technology and keeping the cost reasonable is to utilize open-source platforms. These platforms allow for the sharing and collaboration of software codes, hardware designs, and data among various stakeholder groups, reducing the cost of development.
In conclusion, wearables are a promising technology for improving healthcare delivery, but there are positive and negative impacts that need to be considered. The cost-effectiveness of wearables also needs to be addressed, and strategies such as utilizing open-source platforms can be implemented to keep up with the latest wearable technology while keeping costs reasonable. Ultimately, wearable technology has the potential to enhance the quality of patient care, but it must be used judiciously and with patient privacy and cost in mind.
