Healthcare is an important area of human existence in contemporary society. In recent days, there has been intense discourse with regard to its essence and stature in social contexts. This is evident through numerous legislative undertakings that seek to streamline its operations (Garber, 2013). In most cases, stakeholders strive to devise viable structural adjustments that support propagation and sustenance of operations in the health sector. There are numerous statutory provisions that govern mainstream undertakings in healthcare (Garber, 2013). Such legal provisions apply in the overall interest of all parties involved in provision of healthcare services.
For most players in the industry, cost and quality of healthcare services have a role to play in enhancing the overall reputation of the sector. In order to achieve viable cost and quality of services, there is a need to enhance application of technology in delivery of basic and complex services in health facilities (Garber, 2013). Use of technology ameliorates patient care and sharing of information among healthcare professionals. It also complements efforts that gear towards synchronization of patient care and support systems (Garber, 2013). This reality necessitates use of various technological procedures in management and propagation of healthcare services. With current advancements in technology, numerous solutions and applications support creation and propagation of digital platforms with the healthcare sector. For instance, mobile technology has grown tremendously through development of enterprise applications that focus primarily on delivery of quality healthcare services (Garber, 2013).
Patient Care Applications in Healthcare
For a long time, the healthcare sector has been slow in utilizing technology for growth and response to emerging issues and challenges. Due to current developments in technology, the healthcare sector has warmed up to the use of patient care applications (Garber, 2013). Patient care applications embody various features that work together in relaying and transferring important information across an elaborate information system. Patient care applications bear dynamic features that support basic functional realities within the healthcare setting Garber, 2013). The applications utilize current technology to synchronize functions that are pertinent in delivery of healthcare services. Patient care applications make it easier for patients to enjoy services that are usually on offer within the healthcare settings (Garber, 2013). Such applications also seek to improve relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. Through various patient care applications, medical practitioners initiate favourable rapport with patients.
This is important because it supports efficient and favourable relay of pertinent services (Garber, 2013). Patient care applications utilize operating systems that require intensive training in order to guarantee positive outcomes in their use. Devoid of such concerted efforts, it would be difficult for patient care applications to achieve their intended threshold of benefits within realms of healthcare service provision. Patient care applications are important because they save time and other resources within the healthcare delivery system. They achieve this by creating efficient platforms that expedite delivery of healthcare services (Garber, 2013). This in turn leads to an increase in revenues generated through healthcare services. Another vital aspect of patient care applications is reduction of medical errors. Whenever caregivers have all relevant patient information, they perform better and faster (Garber, 2013). Healthcare facilities that utilize patient care applications often record fewer cases of medical errors and other forms of negligent manifestations. The applications are integral in surgical procedures that are often complex and complicated in many ways (Guha, 2010). Due to the complex nature of surgical procedures, doctors require constant flow of relevant professional information. Such information enables them to act with accuracy and precision towards their duties as healthcare professionals (Guha, 2010).
Management and Enterprise Systems in Healthcare
Healthcare management is a vital component with regard to provision of vital healthcare services. Besides actual delivery of services by healthcare practitioners, management of healthcare facilities improves quality and accuracy in performance of core functions within such facilities (Guha, 2010). The healthcare sector lacks the courage to adopt technology in its numerous service delivery platforms. Management and enterprise systems are very important for healthcare managers who wish to maximize on performance and accuracy of service delivery. In most cases, healthcare facilities have numerous facets that define thresholds of operation (Guha, 2010). Information management systems create impetus for action and reaction to emergencies within a short period. They increase efficiency in delivery and actualization of services within healthcare contexts. Healthcare organizations benefit from management and enterprise systems because they lead to development of avenues that enhance qualitative delivery of services (Guha, 2010).
E-health Applications in Healthcare
E- Health applications embody a comprehensive platform that supports systemic transfer of vital information within healthcare contexts. Through such applications, medical experts have the ability to share patient information with relevant entities within the system (Fernando, 2010). They empower caregivers to divulge information that supports their overall desire for adequate and consistent healthcare services. On the other hand, such platforms are important for transfer of data within and without the healthcare context. Transfer of data and information poses numerous challenges for operators within the sector (Fernando, 2010). Timely transfer of information offers an opportunity for professionals to act on emergencies and other situations that require expedited attention. Devoid of a comprehensive e-health application, it would be difficult for experts to deliver and guarantee quality within the healthcare sector (Fernando, 2010). Healthcare organizations should endeavour to adopt and apply such applications because they cut on operational costs and requirements. The applications reduce wastage of resources, especially in complicated procedures that are usually dependent on direct capital (Fernando, 2010).
E-health applications also support extension services between health professionals and patients. In most cases, patients have to book a physical appointment with their doctor or caregiver. However, such applications enable them to access information over the internet and other technological platforms. This saves time and resources because time spent in a doctor’s office suffices on other constructive and economically viable engagements (Fernando, 2010). Healthcare organizations benefit from e-health applications because their use reduces congestion and competition for limited space within the organizational setting. In most cases, healthcare organizations experience shortage of work force and other vital resources (Fernando, 2010). E-health applications effectively deal with this challenge because they encourage patients to seek information from digital platforms as opposed to the traditional visit to the doctor’s office. This creates room and resources for other vital activities in support of healthcare delivery (Fernando, 2010).
Strategic Decision Support Applications
Most activities within the healthcare sector require professionals to make decisions in order to provide the requisite threshold of performance and accuracy. Strategic decision support applications are integral to delivery and actualization of important services within the healthcare sector (Cohen, 2012). These applications are vital in management of healthcare in modern society. They embody synchronized systems that respond to cues in a fast and efficient manner. Healthcare organizations require such applications because of numerous benefits that accrue from its usage and advancement within the healthcare setting (Cohen, 2012). Such applications also create impetus for positive thinking with regard to issues and challenges in the healthcare sector. They also guarantee conformity to technological developments and trends that characterize delivery of healthcare services in contemporary society (Cohen, 2012).
Systems Development Life Cycle
Systems development is an important aspect of healthcare delivery because it provides favourable platforms for use and application of technology in delivery of healthcare services (Cohen, 2012). As earlier mentioned, technology plays a central role in propagation of vital services and functions within healthcare. In absence of current technological advancements, it would be difficult for healthcare organizations to utilize all benefits that arise from such platforms (Cohen, 2012). A system development lifecycle enables development of information systems that perform in conformity with current trends with regard to application of technology in delivery of healthcare services. Healthcare organizations should invest in quality development of systems that satisfy core competencies within the realm of system development and creation of technological platforms (Cohen, 2012). However, healthcare systems should have safety measures that enable safe and fast access to healthcare and patient information devoid of any form of statutory breach or violation. This provision seeks to uphold and guarantee privacy terms that govern the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients (Cohen, 2012). It also guarantees accurate generation and presentation of health tips that are important to patients as they strive to manage an array of health complications. Therefore, the importance of systems development lifecycle is evident in its use as a tool for efficient delivery of healthcare services (Cohen, 2012). Such systems should have a remote system of codes that regulate access to patient data and information. This reduces instances of unprofessional conduct with regard to usage of patient information for the unintended purpose. Healthcare organizations have a duty and responsibility to ensure safety with regard to utilization of information systems within the healthcare sector (Cohen, 2012).
References
Cohen, D. (2012). Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare. London: Oxford University Press.
Fernando, B. (2010). Ethics and Governance: The Healthcare Dilemma. London:CENGAGE.
Garber, P. (2013). The Application of Technology in Healthcare. Newyork: ABC-CLIO.
Guha, N. (2010). Practical and Professional Ethics in Healthcare. Newyork: Taylor & Francis.