How Information Technology Supports Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals rely on various medical tools to diagnose, treat, and follow up on their patients' health. Information technology provides another helpful tool to help improve service delivery in healthcare systems by providing efficient and cost-effective solutions. Here are some ways Information Technology supports healthcare professionals.

Reducing Medical Errors

An error in a medical chart can lead to a misdiagnosis and cause a patient to receive the wrong treatment. Medical malpractices such as incorrect prescriptions and unnecessary surgeries can adversely affect the health of a patient and sometimes lead to death. Electronic Health Records facilitate the storage of accurate data on each patient's medical diagnosis, treatment, and progress. This technology enhances patients' safety and eases the transfer of records from one department to another.

Easy Access to Information

Cloud storage of big data allows healthcare professionals to access a wide range of medical information from previous research and analysis. The data aids in the development of treatment protocols that can detect medical conditions and diseases before they progress. The storage also provides cost-effective and secure backup solutions for health data while also reducing the hassle of record maintenance. Healthcare providers can redirect the time they would spend researching on providing specialized medical attention.

Monitoring Patients’ Progress

Healthcare professionals require patients to observe their health when they are on medication and after medical procedures like surgery. Information technology contributes to patient-centered care by nurturing communication. On the most basic level, healthcare providers can use text messages and emails to communicate with patients regarding their appointments and medical progress. But further, online portals and software applications make it possible to access medical records and consultation logs, then schedule or cancel appointments. Inventions like Remote Monitoring Tools also allow patients to monitor their health from home, reducing unnecessary appointments.

Information technology allows healthcare professionals to reduce errors and provide medical attention at lower costs. At Tulane School of Professional Advancement, we provide a variety of online degrees and certificates to improve your competence in information technology, including an MPS in IT Management. Our courses foster technical competency alongside critical thinking. Apply now to advance your career.