Technology is changing faster and faster. Every industry needs to adjust to it. Over the last few years, new communication technologies such as shared online workspaces, workgroup messaging systems, the Internet of things, and new uses of social media and social networks have changed how the health care industry functions. In this assignment, you will analyze communication techniques for new technology.
Research emerging communication technologies that are being used in, or could be used in, health care.
Choose 3 of these technologies.
Create a 1-page guide for each technology that explains the best practices for using the new technology that could be given to employees at a hospital. The guide can include visuals. You may use this optional template in your guide creation. Complete the following in your guide:
Describe the new communication technology and how to use it.
Discuss the main benefits of the new communication technology and why people and organizations in the health care industry are using it.
List best practices for leveraging the new communication technology.
List things to avoid when using the new communication technology.
Discuss potential privacy issues important to the health care industry that could be impacted using the new communication technology.
Full Answer Section
Benefits:
- Improved efficiency: Streamline communication with quick and concise updates, reducing phone calls and email exchanges.
- Enhanced patient care: Respond to urgent needs or coordinate care seamlessly across different departments.
- Increased staff satisfaction: Foster collaboration and team communication, improving workflow and reducing stress.
- HIPAA compliance: Securely share sensitive patient information within a trusted, encrypted platform.
Why healthcare uses it:
- Secure texting promotes faster response times and better coordination for critical healthcare situations.
- It offers a convenient and accessible communication tool for busy healthcare professionals.
- Hospitals prioritize patient privacy and HIPAA compliance, making secure texting an essential communication channel.
Visual:
- Include a screenshot of the secure texting app interface demonstrating basic features like chat screens, file sharing, and group functionalities.
Call to action:
- Encourage healthcare employees to adopt secure texting as a primary communication tool for internal collaboration and patient care coordination.
Guide 2: Telemedicine Platforms for Patient Consultations
What is it?
Telemedicine platforms enable virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers through video conferencing tools and remote diagnostic technology.
How to use it:
- Utilize hospital-designated telemedicine equipment or apps on personal devices with secure connections.
- Greet patients virtually, assess their conditions through video and audio communication.
- Conduct routine check-ups, diagnose minor ailments, and offer treatment recommendations remotely.
- Utilize telemedicine carts or wearable devices for enhanced remote examination functionalities.
Benefits:
- Increased patient access: Extend healthcare services to patients in remote areas or with limited mobility.
- Improved efficiency: Reduce time spent on travel and waiting rooms, maximizing provider and patient time.
- Cost reduction: Lower healthcare costs by using virtual consultations for non-emergent needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction: Offer convenient and flexible access to healthcare for busy patients.
Why healthcare uses it:
- Telemedicine addresses healthcare deserts and tackles transportation challenges for patients.
- It allows healthcare providers to manage patient needs efficiently and offer timely consultations.
- Hospitals utilize telemedicine to reduce operating costs and optimize resource allocation.
- Patients appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and improved access to care that telemedicine offers.
Visual:
- Include an image of a doctor and patient engaged in a video consultation via a telemedicine platform.
Call to action:
- Train healthcare professionals on effectively utilizing telemedicine platforms for diverse patient consultations.
- Promote awareness among patients about the benefits and accessibility of telemedicine services.
Guide 3: Wearable Devices for Patient Monitoring
What is it?
Wearable devices like smartwatches, wristbands, and patches collect real-time patient data like vital signs, activity levels, and sleep patterns. These devices transmit data to healthcare platforms for remote monitoring and analysis.
Sample Answer
Secure Texting for Healthcare Teams
What is it?
Secure texting platforms offer HIPAA-compliant messaging between healthcare providers, replacing less secure text messages and pagers. These platforms allow individual and group messaging, file sharing, and integrations with hospital information systems.
How to use it:
- Download the secure texting app on your mobile device and log in with your hospital credentials.
- Create individual or group chats with colleagues for team communication.
- Use message templates for standard updates or inquiries.
- Attach photos, documents, and links to share relevant information securely.
- Maintain professional language and tone in all text communications.