In your work setting, or from the examples in a real setting,
which future trend(s) are likely to have the largest effect on patient care and related information systems? Select one of the topics for example, Health in Chapter 15. Use the three levels of change to describe how your selected area of informatics might evolve over the next several years.
Use Box 36.4 to access and explore a futures research methodology that was not discussed in this chapter. Describe the methodology and how it could be used in health informatics.
Compare and contrast the trends of EHR directions and personal healthcare informatics.
Where do they overlap and where do they differ?
Box 36.4
Futures Studies Methodologies Resources
• The Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies,
• Methods and Approaches of Futures Studies,
• World Future Society:
• Futures Research Methodology Version 3.0,
• Five Views of the Future: A Strategic Analysis Framework,
• Methodologies for Studying Change and the Future, http://www.csudh.edu/global_options/IntroFS.HTML#FSMethodols
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the field of medicine, patient care and information systems play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of effective healthcare. As a medical professor responsible for designing assignments and evaluating student performance, it is essential to stay abreast of future trends that could potentially impact patient care and related information systems. This includes exploring the evolution of health informatics, methodologies for futures research, and the comparison between EHR directions and personal healthcare informatics.
1. Which future trend(s) are likely to have the largest effect on patient care and related information systems? Select one of the topics for example, Health in Chapter 15. Use the three levels of change to describe how your selected area of informatics might evolve over the next several years.
Answer:
One future trend that is likely to have a significant effect on patient care and related information systems is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by enabling more accurate diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and efficient healthcare delivery.
Using the three levels of change – individual level, organizational level, and societal level – we can envision the evolution of AI in healthcare informatics over the next several years. At the individual level, healthcare professionals may rely on AI-powered tools to assist in diagnosis, treatment decisions, and monitoring patient progress. This could lead to improved patient outcomes and increased efficiency in healthcare delivery.
At the organizational level, hospitals and healthcare institutions may implement AI systems to optimize resource allocation, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance patient safety. AI-driven predictive analytics could help in identifying potential disease outbreaks, managing hospital capacities, and preventing medical errors.
On the societal level, the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare informatics could lead to a transformation in healthcare systems. AI-powered telemedicine and remote monitoring could improve access to healthcare in underserved areas. Additionally, the integration of AI with electronic health records (EHRs) could enable the seamless exchange of patient information between healthcare providers, improving care coordination and patient safety.
2. Use Box 36.4 to access and explore a futures research methodology that was not discussed in this chapter. Describe the methodology and how it could be used in health informatics.
Answer:
One futures research methodology that can be explored is the Delphi method, which involves obtaining expert opinions and synthesizing them to make reliable predictions about the future. In health informatics, the Delphi method can be utilized to gather insights from experts in the field and make informed decisions regarding the development and implementation of information systems.
The Delphi method typically involves multiple rounds of questionnaires or surveys administered to a panel of experts. In each round, experts provide their opinions on specific issues, and the responses are compiled and shared anonymously. After each round, the experts have the opportunity to reconsider their initial responses in light of the group’s feedback. This iterative process continues until a consensus or convergence of opinions is reached.
In health informatics, the Delphi method can be applied to forecast future advancements in technology, identify potential challenges in implementing new information systems, and evaluate the potential impact of these systems on patient care. By gathering expert opinions and leveraging their collective wisdom, the Delphi method can provide valuable insights for decision-making in health informatics.
3. Compare and contrast the trends of EHR directions and personal healthcare informatics. Where do they overlap and where do they differ?
Answer:
EHR directions and personal healthcare informatics are both significant trends in the field of healthcare, but they differ in their scope and focus.
EHR directions primarily revolve around the development, implementation, and optimization of electronic health record systems. These systems aim to digitize and centralize patient health information to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. EHRs focus on capturing and storing patient data, facilitating interoperability among healthcare providers, and enhancing clinical decision-making.
On the other hand, personal healthcare informatics emphasizes the involvement of patients in managing their own health using digital tools and services. Personal healthcare informatics includes wearable devices, mobile health applications, and online platforms that enable individuals to monitor their health, track fitness goals, access medical information, and engage in telemedicine services. The goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Where they overlap:
1. Data exchange: Both EHR systems and personal healthcare informatics rely on data exchange to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated care. Both aim to ensure that relevant health information is accessible to authorized individuals involved in patient care.
2. Patient engagement: EHR systems and personal healthcare informatics share a common goal of enhancing patient engagement. EHRs enable patients to access their medical records, communicate with healthcare providers, and actively participate in their care. Personal healthcare informatics provides tools for individuals to monitor their health, set goals, and make informed decisions.
Where they differ:
1. Scope: EHR directions focus on the integration of electronic health records within healthcare systems, primarily targeting healthcare providers. Meanwhile, personal healthcare informatics is centered around empowering individuals to monitor and manage their own health outside of traditional healthcare settings.
2. Data ownership: EHR systems are designed to store and manage patient data within healthcare organizations, ensuring privacy and security. Personal healthcare informatics often relies on individuals sharing their personal health data with external platforms or applications, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
In conclusion, while EHR directions and personal healthcare informatics share common goals of improving patient care and information systems, they differ in scope and approach. Both trends are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of healthcare, with opportunities for collaboration and integration to further enhance patient-centered care.
