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Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person's genes are affected by certain medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drug safety including pharmacogenomics in the U.S. This study helps providers proactively assign dosages, inform possible side effects and monitor differences of effectiveness for people with certain gene variants. This method is working to help doctors be more selective in their prescription choices for patients and potentially save more lives. -
Paper Medical Records
Prior to the 1960s clinical records were being created on paper. Patient's information was collected by first and last name, social security number, and possibly a number charting system. This method was all manual and not secure for patient information as it could be easily accessible to anyone that could obtain the document. Documents could be misread due to handwriting and/or mixed up with other files. These files would hold medical notes, lab reports and directions for medication. -
Portable Ultrasound Machines
Ultra sound devices send out sound waves at a high frequency that are then received by a computer and turned into images that can be viewed by providers. It's used to look at the organs inside of the body and primarily now for pregnancy scans. The portable version makes it more accessible for patients and providers without having to carry large equipment. There are different versions that provide more accuracy than others, but are becoming more cost effective with time. -
Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)
Lockheed Martin created a group to work on medical information solutions in the El Camino Hospital. Clinfowiki.org defines computerized physician order entry as, "technology that allows physicians to enter orders. medications, and procedures directly into the computer instead of handwriting them" (OHSU 2018). This system benefits the patient, provider, payor and population by providing the ability to reduce medication errors and misread handwriting. -
Wireless Communication Systems
Healthcare organizations are immersing themselves more with wireless communication systems to receive, store, share and send data. Using Wi-Fi, bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID) and more providers are able to collect and communicate information more effectively to patients and other organizations. Information is stored and updated in real-time making it more efficient to service and provide better care for populations. There are also high security levels due to HIPPA regulations. -
Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
EMR's allow patients and providers to access their medical history through an online database. This system provides the ability to safely share information from provider to provider. There is better ensured quality of care for patients and a decrease in misinformation or loss of documentation. An industry adoption of this process was enacted by President Obama through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to provide additional funding for organizations that invest by 2014. -
Electronic Health Record (EHR)
EHR's were created to convert medical records to become accessible electronically for the patient and provider. EHR's make it easier for patients to stay connected with their provider by providing medical records, diagnosis, treatment plans, and more. This system provides more clarity for payers and better accuracy for billing. Individuals will be able to follow their medical history and treatment plans with their providers which enables better communication for all parties. -
Personal Health Record (PHR)
PHR's are similar to EHR's and EMR's because they hold medical history electronically, but this specific record is controlled by the patient. The patient can monitor and access their information along with controlling which providers can see it. The downfall of this recording system is information can still be confused or misinterpreted. The idea of patient control over their own documentation can cause an increase of misdiagnosis and incorrect care from providers working to assist. -
Virtual Reality
VR studies have shown that patients who are working through physical therapy have a quicker recovery time using this technology. Virtual reality makes it more fun for the patient to be active in their own environment and maintain focus on their physical goals. Along with healing psychologically it helps with pain management and to curb memory loss. -
Mobile Health (mHealth)
Mobile health is providing access for patients and providers to take health care on-the-go. Patients will be able to track and access their biometrics and health information through mobile devices and tablets. This ability provides the opportunity for patients and providers to stay connected outside of the office and share information. Mobile health also provides alerts for upcoming appointments for patients to be reminded of and access to confirm or deny the upcoming visit.
