Impact of Technology on Quality and Patient Safety
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Abstract
In this article, the growing influence of technology on healthcare quality and patient safety is explored. The rapid expansion of digital health, marked by computing platforms, connectivity software, and sensors, is reshaping patient care dynamics. With a focus on Clinical Decision Support and Workflow Integration, the article highlights technology’s role in enhancing healthcare processes. Clinical Decision Support employs technology for evidence-based guidance, minimizing errors, and enhancing outcomes. Workflow integration streamlines procedures through devices like mobile phones and tablets. Especially in the Asia Pacific, digital health adoption translates to improved guidelines, fewer errors, and enhanced patient experiences, all rooted in Clinical Decision Support’s evidence-driven foundation. The article underscores technology’s pivotal role in informed decision-making and advocates for selective technology adoption by healthcare leaders to elevate care quality.
Introduction
The rapid growth of digital health is evident through the integration of computing platforms, connectivity software, and sensors in healthcare applications. This article examines how digital health technologies, particularly Clinical Decision Support and Workflow Integration, are enhancing patient care. Clinical Decision Support employs technology to offer evidence-based guidance, reducing medication errors and improving outcomes. Workflow Integration streamlines healthcare processes through mobile devices, tablets, and MRI systems. The adoption of these technologies, notably in Asia Pacific regions like Taiwan, Japan, and Australia, showcases improvements in practice guidelines, reduced errors, and enhanced patient experiences.
This digital transformation hinges on Clinical Decision Support’s evidence-based foundation, exemplifying technology’s pivotal role in patient safety and healthcare quality.
The Role of Technology in Providing Effective and Timely Care
The WHO shifted to a people-centered healthcare model, utilizing technology to enhance care by supporting providers with standardized, evidence-based knowledge. Studies highlight technology’s positive impact, altering treatment decisions by 37% using decision support software in Singapore and reducing diagnostic errors from 24% to 2% in Japan through AI. Despite these gains, patient queries often go unanswered. Technology-driven solutions can address this gap, enabling comprehensive patient care. This approach underscores the significance of patient support systems, individual preferences, and technology’s role in promoting informed decisions, ultimately elevating care quality and aiding patient decision-making.
Standardizing Healthcare through Real-Time Clinical Support
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed global healthcare challenges, yet technology and real-time information have emerged as effective solutions. Healthcare organizations swiftly responded by providing evidence-based data to clinicians, addressing clinical features, diagnoses, and prevention. This approach garnered millions of visits and expanded topic coverage. Free global access to COVID-related content was extended to enhance and standardize healthcare quality and safety.
Technology’s role in averting adverse drug events is notable, offering personalized coding for risk identification and suitable interventions. Collaborations with experts in fields like pharmacy and urology have resulted in harmonized content, aiming to minimize care variability and improve patient outcomes.
For instance, variations in prescribed steroids led to conflicts and higher costs, emphasizing the importance of standardized information. Leveraging technology and real-time information proved vital in surmounting COVID-19 challenges, ensuring comprehensive, evidence-based care delivery and the best possible outcomes for patients.
Improving Patient Safety through Technology Adoption in Healthcare
Recent advancements in healthcare technology have significantly improved patient experiences by streamlining diagnostic and treatment processes. Cutting-edge technologies have empowered healthcare providers to diagnose patients more efficiently, reducing errors and saving valuable time. This article delves into technology’s pivotal role in enhancing patient safety and advocates for its adoption by healthcare leaders to elevate care delivery.
From the emergency department onward, technology aids healthcare providers in streamlining diagnostics, minimizing errors, and reducing time consumption. Electronic health records (EHRs) expedite access to patient information, curbing misdiagnosis risks. Technology also enables providers to evaluate drug interactions and allergies, which is crucial in averting life-threatening adverse reactions. Post-discharge, technology facilitates patient tracking, ensuring proper follow-up care.
Moreover, technology provides patients with clear post-discharge instructions, reducing the risk of readmission.
While healthcare technology augments expertise, it doesn’t replace healthcare providers’ skills. Healthcare leaders should judiciously adopt technology, prioritizing solutions aligned with clear goals and the healthcare sector’s evolution.
Ultimately, technology integration enhances patient safety and care quality, reinforcing the role of healthcare professionals as key drivers of positive healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion
Technology has a critical role to play in improving patient safety in healthcare. By streamlining the diagnosis process, assessing interactions and drug allergies, and providing discharge instructions, technology can help healthcare providers deliver better care to patients.
Healthcare leaders should embrace technology and adopt it to enhance the delivery of care, but they should be selective in their technology adoption and focus on solutions that meet clear goals and help drive the direction of healthcare.
