Patient-centered technologies

Patient-centered technologies

Introduction

New advancements have been made in Information Technology for delivering support to patients in health care. A fundamental redesign of health care has enabled with such advancements through the electronic communications. Patient centered technologies have enabled empowerment to patients. These technologies have played an effective role in bringing health care information to patients, and have helped in decision-making process regarding their health.

Patient centered technology tools are beneficial in developing a comprehensive communication between the patients and their healthcare professionals. This is why, patient-centered applications have been playing a major role in a health care delivery system. Previous models enabled to accomplish health care transaction in one type but they lack to capture the continuity of care throughout the life course f the individuals (Redman, 2007).

Patient-centered technology is defined as the application of Information and Communication Technologies in the wide range of issues affecting health care, from diagnosis to monitoring of patients, including management of the organizations involved in these activities. Different communication channels (such as mobile or web based systems) are being covered under these applications.

This paper conducts a research on patient centered technologies and highlights parameters of patient centered technology in controlling the health of patients. The paper further identifies the role of selected patient centered technology and its impact on the patients' health outcomes. This will also include the risks and benefits that are being monitored by the users.

Discussion

Patient-centered applications may be defined a system of approaching partnerships among the patients, health care practitioners and their families, to ensure that the needs and preferences of the patients' is being respected. These applications have provided a link between clinical and non-clinical sectors (Redman, 2007). These applications encompass different communication channels such as portable monitoring tools, mobile devices, and web-based systems.

Tele-health is an emerging application of Information Technology as Communication (ICT) as applied to health. The applications of Tele-health are occurring differently, depending on needs and the tools involved. Current processes running are: Tele-consultorias, remote diagnostics, providing second opinion, Tele-surgery, Tele-monitoring, continuing education Tele-education, video conferencing, clinical simulations, electronic medical records, training and analysis of databases and virtual library of images, among others (Perlin, et.al, 2004).

The conventional way of identifying health care in this area is represented by the meeting in person. Currently, the technological resources can promote a “virtual meeting” between health professionals and patients, or between other professionals, where distance or ...