Technology in the Health Field

Technology has become a mainstay in the health field. It can be a potentially life-saving resource. Technology is involved in the processing of calls for emergency services, allows for the monitoring of a patient's heartbeat, and provides for mobile access to pharmaceutical information, including indications and contraindications.

Ambulance Computer-Aided Dispatch

• Ambulance computer-aided dispatch

  The use of technology in the health field begins before the patient enters the health care system. As noted in the American Heart Association's "Chain of Survival," an important component of a health care system is the ability to access the local emergency services, or 911. Computer-aided dispatch software assists communication centers when determining which ambulance to send to which address. This involves factors including ambulance availability, traffic patterns and the level of care that can be provided by the staff that are operating the ambulance. Computer-aided dispatch software for emergency services is designed to instantly support the dispatcher's decision making.

Mobile Pharmaceutical Resources

• Pharmaceutical information is mobile.

  In the past, pharmaceutical resources, such as medical text books, provided information on thousands of different types of medications. Today's pharmaceutical resources are no longer restricted to textbooks or desktop computers. With advances in technology, pharmaceutical resources are now mobile. This technology is invaluable and allows health care providers, such as nurses and physicians, to have access to pharmaceutical information at their fingertips. A variety of vendors offer pharmaceutical software programs that include medication indications, such as when a medication should be used; medication contraindications, such as when a medication should not be given; and potential side effects of the medicine. Several software vendors include automatic upgrades so that the information is in compliance with current standards.

Holter monitor for heart

• Irregular heartbeat monitoring

  If an individual experiences a problem with his heart, such as a heart attack or irregular heartbeat, it may be recommended that he wear a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small monitor that is usually worn around the patient's neck or in the patient's pocket. Electrodes, which look like stickers on the end of small wires, are attached to the monitor and are placed on the patient's chest. The monitor is worn by the patient for several hours while the he participates in his normal daily activities, such as walking, going to work, and attending meetings. The monitor records the rate and pattern of the patient's heartbeat. This information is then provided to the patient's health care team for additional follow-up.

Vital Sign Monitoring

• Vital sign monitoring is key for first responders.

  Technology has propelled the ability for first responders, such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics, to monitor a patient's vital signs while transporting a patient to a hospital. Similar to the technology that can be found in emergency departments and critical care units, mobile vital sign monitoring is available in the field. The technology can be programmed to active alarms if the patient's vital signs suddenly change or become unstable. Vital signs includes heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Temperature, glucose monitoring and pulse oximetry, which is the indirect measurement of oxygen being delivered to tissue, can also be monitored. Depending on the vital sign monitoring being used by the paramedics, the patient's vital signs can be simultaneously transmitted to the receiving hospital. This can be invaluable to assist the hospital staff when preparing to receive a new patient.

Evidence-Based Guidelines

• Technology in the health field has influenced the use of evidence-based guidelines in the delivery of health care. Evidence-based guidelines are designed to support clinicians, including nurses and physicians, to provide patient care that is in alignment with the most recent recommendations per industry subject matter experts. The National Guideline Clearinghouse, which is overseen by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, promotes the use of guidelines when patient care is provided. Numerous guidelines are available, including for cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions and diabetes. Software programs that embed the guidelines allow for guideline compliance tracking, outcome reporting and variance identification.