Discussion 1-1
I want to earn my master's in science in healthcare administration to further grow as a
nurse. I hope that this course helps me with that goal and helps me enhance my knowledge of
technology so I can better meet the healthcare needs of our veteran population. On my days off, I
am primarily a homebody. I am a mom of two small children, so much of my free time is spent
with them. Since I have started classes, I have been busy juggling work and my home life, and it
can be chaotic at times.
Healthcare information management historically comes from the study of textual
references, artistic illustrations, and the study of human remains over centuries. The evolution of
health care delivery in the United States began with simple folk remedies used by settlers who
had to cope with epidemics, life-threatening weather, national disorders, and starvation (Green,
& Bowie, 2019). Prehistoric medicine, ancient medicine, medieval medicine, renaissance
medicine, and modern medicine all contribute to individual medical practices that allow the
healthcare information management system to continue developing. The introduction of
technology has dramatically changed the landscape of the healthcare information management
system because it has allowed for more streamlined delivery of healthcare. Technological
advancement in healthcare is not just limited to medicine and surgery, but healthcare-based
additional services, such as ambulances, first responder medical teams, basic life support,
advanced life support, and air ambulance (Business World, 2020). Technology has allowed the
creation of moving from paper records to electronic health records (HER), which is an automated
accessible record that contains multimedia data (e.g. digital, scanned images, voice, video)
(Green, & Bowie, 2019). By having HER, patient records can be audited by providers and
departments, and patients can have immediate access to their health records, increasing the
system's efficiency.
Additionally, technology has also contributed to computerized disease registries.
electronic prescribing, consumer health IT applications, and telehealth. Perhaps what is
overlooked is that without technology, we would not have x-rays. In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad
Rontgen accidentally discovered X-rays in Germany, which revolutionized the ability to
diagnose (The History of Healthcare Quality: The First 100 Years 1860-1960, 2014). While the
introduction of technology has brought positive outcomes, it has also increased the need for
proper management. From a patient safety standpoint, technology has increased the risk of
sensitive patient information being hacked. From a hospital organization standpoint, technology
emphasizes that proper management of financial operations, resources management, and
oversight of specific departments is essential to support the organization's mission and goals.
Overall, technology has great potential to improve healthcare quality and efficiency and has been
a significant focus of recent US healthcare reform efforts (Anthony et al., 2013).
References
Anthony, D., Campbell, A. T., Candon, T., Gettinger, A., Kotz, D., Marsch, L. A., Molina-
Markham, A., Page, K., Smith, S. W., Gunter, C. A., & Johnson, M. E. (2013). Securing
Information Technology in Healthcare. IEEE Security & Privacy, 11(6), 25--33.
https://doi.org/10.1109/msp.2013.104
Bowie, M.J. (2019). Essentials of health Information management: Principle