Health Technology, Digital Healthcare
Article | September 7, 2023
Artificial Intelligence or AI has attained continuous evolution over the years and witnessed widespread adoption across major industries of the globe. The Forbes report of December 2021mentions that the number of AI startups since 2000 has increased 14 times, and investments in AI startups have grown six times. It underlines the fact that the AI industry, powered by its path-breaking developments and innovations, has always been an attractive and trending option in the market.
Within a very few years, AI has taken over different segments of healthcare like wellness, early detection, diagnosis, decision making, treatment, research, training, public health functions (surveillance and outbreak response), virtual care etc. A study by Accenture claims that AI-enabled devices and gadgets meet 20% of the clinical demands, and this has reduced the unnecessary visits to hospitals by a great number.
Applications of AI in healthcare is broadly categorised into 3 segments, namely, Patient-oriented AI; Clinician-oriented AI; and Administrative-oriented AI. The transformative role of AI in healthcare is undeniable, as it scripts new journey for patients and practitioners, alike.
According to Healthcare IT News, 63% of the research subjects agree to the observation that the devices and machinery enabled by AI have provided excellent value to the specialty healthcare divisions like radiology, generic pharmacy, pathology, etc.
The rapid growth of AI in highly delicate domains like healthcare calls for great promise to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it also puts ethics, patient safety and privacy concerns at the heart of it; thereby calling for a framework of governance. Gartner report of July 2019 predicted the application of AI in more than 75% of the healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) around the globe.
Since most of these HDOs are new to adopting and applying AI-enabled machinery and services, AI governance is crucial to prevent the actions that may lead to errors, misjudgements and further chaos. Moreover, the degree of variance in the application of AI is high, and therefore it is not advised to implement the AI mechanisms without proper guidance or governance.
From AI-enabled smart bands to pacemakers, the range of devices and gadgets offered by the AI industry is simply remarkable. The implementation of AI in the healthcare sector has proven to be highly effective in drastically reducing the scope of slipups. Moreover, AI has also facilitated early detection of illness with the help of daily use gadgets and devices in a smart way.
At this juncture, it is equally important to create data governance framework that ensure ethical principles are applied to patient, providers and payers’ data. Further, AI initiatives by healthcare providers should be created using transparent protocols, auditable methodologies and metadata. These technologies should do no harm, reduce biases and help patients make informed decisions about their care.
A significant part of AI governance also lies in change management. To build trust towards AI’s adoption across the healthcare ecosystem, there should be a dialogue between clinicians, scientists, technologist and end-users. Such discussions will address the opportunities, value and investment, including concerns across the stakeholders.
In fact, prominent think tanks suggest healthcare providers to establish an AI Governance Council to monitor the value, investment and use of strategic AI capabilities. Some of the crucial roles and responsibilities for the Council include addressing legal and regulatory compliance; clinical evaluations; ethical usage guidelines and organisational deployment of AI across the system.
AI is indeed a revolutionary technology that has huge surprises up its sleeves for the future. But exploring new frontiers comes with its fair share of challenges. Establishing appropriate governance over AI implementation and initiating a conversation around the ethical implications and regulations as well, will play a fundamental role in the introduction and scale-up of AI in healthcare.
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Digital Healthcare
Article | November 29, 2023
Explore a curated collection of EHR books while discovering the potential of exploring electronic health records books, empowering individuals to navigate complexities and make informed decisions.
Electronic health records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry, streamlining patient data management and transforming how medical information is accessed, stored, and shared. A carefully curated list of essential EHR books can be an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in this rapidly-evolving field.
Explore these electronic health records books that deepen insights and help navigate the intricate world of healthcare:
1. Connected for Health
Editor: Louise L. Liang
‘Connected for Health: Using Electronic Health Records to Transform Care Delivery’ explores the implementation of the world's most extensive non-governmental electronic health record system. The book delves into the far-reaching impact of this system on patient care outcomes, operational efficiency, safety, and patient engagement. Louise L. Liang draws upon valuable insights and lessons learned from the successful deployment strategy, showcasing how these technological tools are revolutionizing healthcare delivery and reshaping the organizational culture within the industry. This comprehensive resource sheds light on the transformative potential of electronic health records, offering a glimpse into the future of connected healthcare and its potential to improve patient experiences and drive positive change within healthcare organizations globally.
2. Hacking Healthcare
Authors: Fred Trotter and David Uhlman
‘Hacking Healthcare: A Guide to Standards, Workflows, and Meaningful Use’ is a concise and insightful book that critically evaluates the US healthcare system's adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and other IT solutions to meet the government's meaningful use requirements. While acknowledging the tremendous opportunities for IT professionals, it also highlights the significant challenges of overhauling outdated record systems, workflows, and practices. EHR books, such as this one, provide a comprehensive overview by examining the unique characteristics of healthcare settings, exploring the complexities of transitioning from paper to digital records, analyzing billing and payment systems, emphasizing patient engagement through EHRs, and addressing the critical issue of avoidable errors.
3. The Innovator's Prescription
Authors: Clayton M. Christensen, Jerome H. Grossman, and Jason Hwang
‘Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care’ presents a visionary prescription for reforming the ailing healthcare system. The book applies the principles of disruptive innovation to revolutionize the broken healthcare system. It identifies and addresses various symptoms, offering proven solutions that will improve the affordability and quality of healthcare. The book explores how precision medicine can reduce costs and deliver personalized care, how disruptive business models can enhance accessibility, affordability as well as quality, and how patient networks can improve the treatment of chronic diseases. Additionally, it highlights the need for employers to adapt their roles in EHRs to compete effectively in a globalized era.
4. The Guide to the Future of Medicine
Author: Bertalan Meskó
‘The Guide to the Future of Medicine (2022 Edition): Technology and The Human Touch’ is an insightful and authoritative book that examines the transformative power of electronic health records (EHRs) and other technological advancements in medicine and healthcare. The author comprehensively assesses how EHRs have revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering a roadmap to tomorrow's potential. By exploring the integration of EHRs with emerging technologies and trends, such as exoskeletons, social media for medical information, and supercomputers in medical decision-making, EHR books like this one offer patients, medical professionals, and healthcare stakeholders an enlightening and fact-based perspective on how technology can shape and enhance their well-being while preserving the essential human touch.
5. The Digital Doctor
Author: Robert Wachter
‘The Digital Doctor: Hope, Hype, and Harm at the Dawn of Medicine’s Computer Age’ explore integrating electronic health records (EHRs) into healthcare. Driven by compelling stories and astute analysis, the book addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in medicine. It raises pertinent questions about the impact of digital systems on patient care, highlighting concerns such as the loss of human connection and the occurrence of medical errors despite computerization. With clarity and compassion, the author emphasizes the need to understand the transformative nature of technology in healthcare and advocates for its proper implementation to ensure a harmonious relationship between humans and machines.
6. The Internet of Healthy Things
Authors: Joseph C. Kvedar, Carol Colman, and Gina Cella
‘The Internet of Healthy Things’ explores the profound impact of IoT on healthcare, with a particular emphasis on electronic health records (EHRs). This integrated electronic health records book delves into the transformative potential of real-time biometric data in understanding the relationship between lifestyle and chronic diseases. The authors describe the driving forces behind this trend and unveil the business opportunities it presents for various sectors, including payers, providers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, technology vendors, and innovative newcomers. The book provides insights into consumer behavior, strategies for designing compelling health devices and platforms, exploration of novel form factors for health information delivery, strategic guidance for startups and entrepreneurs entering the connected health market, and interviews with industry leaders and innovators.
7. Electronic Health Records
Author: Jerome H. Carter
The second edition of ‘Electronic Health Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators’ offers medical professionals and administrators a comprehensive grasp of the functionality and significance of electronic health records (EHRs). The book addresses the numerous inquiries when assessing, procuring, and utilizing an EHR system. It is a valuable resource for individuals who remain undecided about investing in an EHR system or seek a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the growth potential and associated challenges of EHRs. The book offers insightful guidance and effectively combines written explanations with visual aids such as figures and tables. It is an exceptional resource for introductory courses on healthcare systems.
8. Ensuring the Integrity of Electronic Health Records: The Best Practices for E-records Compliance
Author: Orlando López
‘Ensuring the Integrity of Electronic Health Records: The Best Practices for E-records Compliance’ is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the crucial role of data integrity in the design, implementation, and utilization of systems handling electronic health records (EHRs). The book highlights the importance of recording data accurately and ensuring its consistency throughout its lifecycle. Providing practical insights and up-to-date information enables a better understanding of the controls necessary for maintaining compliance with EHR regulations. With a specific focus on production and quality control systems in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, the book addresses the suitability of EHR implementation, risk-assessed controls, and proper handling of EHRs, ultimately emphasizing the criticality of data integrity in ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.
9. Electronic Health Records
Author: Richard W. Gartee
‘Electronic Health Records: Understanding and Using Computerized Medical Records’ is an instructional resource for Health Information Management and Health Information Technology programs. Written by Gartee, this electronic health records educational book effectively utilizes EHR in medical practice through practical exercises and activities. Suitable for various educational institutions, the book includes a Student CD with networking capabilities. The ‘Medcin Software’, integrated into the instructors' manual, enhances learning with its multi-user functionality and widespread use in EHR systems. This comprehensive resource prepares students to apply their skills in real-world EHR applications.
10. Electronic Health Records and Medical Big Data
Author: Sharona Hoffman
‘Electronic Health Records and Medical Big Data: Law and Policy’ is a comprehensive book that offers a profound understanding of electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical big data, and the regulatory landscape governing them. It is a valuable resource for students and professionals alike, providing interdisciplinary analysis and insights. The book explores the impact of EHR systems on clinical care and the generation of medical big data, examining their benefits, drawbacks, and the legal framework surrounding their use. It addresses various challenges, including privacy, security, data quality, and analysis. With detailed recommendations for regulatory, policy, and technological improvements, the book emphasizes the vital role of the law in safeguarding and enhancing EHR systems and the medical big data derived from them. Its structure comprises two main parts, focusing on EHR systems in clinical settings and the utilization of medical big data for research and non-clinical purposes.
Final Chapter
This curated list of engaging electronic health records books serves as an essential read for patients, providers, and C-suite executives alike. These EHR books not only unravel the intricacies of the digital age but also provide valuable insights into the evolving healthcare industry. For healthcare professionals, these resources offer a deeper understanding of EHR implementation, usability, and the legal considerations surrounding them. Additionally, professionals can leverage the knowledge gained from these electronic health records educational books to navigate the complexities of integrating EHR systems within their organizations, driving strategic decision-making, and ensuring the delivery of effective and compassionate healthcare services. By embracing the transformative potential of these EHR books, informed by the wisdom shared within them, healthcare leaders can forge a path toward a more efficient, patient-centered, and technologically-advanced healthcare system.
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Health Technology, Digital Healthcare
Article | September 8, 2023
Social media has become a powerful tool to connect people with friends, relatives, family, and other loved ones. Worldwide, around 4.2 billion people are actively using the internet. Among them, 3 billion are regularly active on social media channels. Social media is not just about interpersonal conversations; at least 80 percent of users follow one business on Instagram. With all the ads on your Facebook news feed, you connect with various brands or become aware about many brands. But does social media in healthcare make any impact?
Almost all industries have started to realize the power of social media and how it can impact connecting with consumers. Various social media platforms help companies share information, increase brand awareness, and partner with industry influencers. Social media has overpowered traditional marketing strategies. Social media has become the wave of the future.
Regarding the uptake of social media, the healthcare industry has been a bit slower. However, the industry now has accepted the undeniable importance of social media in healthcare. The reluctance might have been due to the risks associated for the providers as well as patients. Privacy and confidentiality of patient information has to be maintained always. Those were the challenges of social media in healthcare. However, consumers can get information from social media faster than any other tool.
The Healthcare industry includes both the healthcare technology providers as well as the healthcare service providers. Whether you are a service provider or a technology provider, social media can impact your customers equally. This article discusses the positive effects and benefits of social media in healthcare, especially healthcare service providers.
Embraced by the Medical Community
The healthcare industry took notice of social media when government agencies and other business industries started to reap the benefits of social media. A recent survey revealed an interesting fact about the use of social media in healthcare. More than 1500 healthcare providers around the US have social media presence online. Hospitals miss key opportunities if they don’t use social media. These hospital systems have started effectively using social media to reach out to their past, current, and future patients. Social media in healthcare is an easy medium to share vital information with consumers and patients in the industry.
The survey also revealed that more than 30% of medical professionals use various social media platforms to network with their peers. Many physicians also use these social media platforms for multiple activities in open forums. Having an active online presence evokes transparency among clients and peers. Healthcare providers can join various platforms such as Twitter to become healthcare influencers. Through social media in healthcare, providers can make connections, engage the community, and explore the industry.
The Case of Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, US is the best example of how social media can be used to reach out to patients, engage them online, and stay ahead of competitors. They have more than 2 million followers on Facebook, 1.9 million followers on Twitter, and around 5 lack followers on LinkedIn. They have very different and unique social media strategies. They do post about whatever happens on the campus, including doctors practicing in their respective departments and interactive sessions with doctors and HODs, etc. Also, they do provide health tips and information, general health advice, and updates on the latest medical technologies and treatments. Apart from these, the hospital also reaches out to patients for queries and feedback through social media and responds to them promptly. These effective social media strategies help them in building up a brand, reputation management, create a patient relationship and build patient loyalty.
Loved by Healthcare Consumers
To find advice and new treatments, healthcare consumers widely use social media. This creates an opportunity for providers to connect with consumers through various forms of healthcare educational content. More than 40 percent of consumers believe that social media in healthcare affects their wellness decisions and health. Among 18 to 24 years old, 90 percent of people trust the medical information they get on social media. This shows the importance of healthcare providers on social media channels.
Mobile healthcare is expanding as consumers depend more on the internet for information. Countless fitness and health apps are available online. However, many of them are not effective and do not cure diseases but can change behaviors. Having an app will help you increase your accountability, as a provider, among consumers.
Positive Impact of Social Media on Healthcare
The healthcare community is widely embracing the scope of social media in healthcare. Healthcare technology providers, hospitals, and other service providers are opening new accounts to create a consistent image among consumers. There are many ways to improve care by reaching out to patients through social media in healthcare. Some of the positive impacts of best practices for social media in healthcare are as follows:
Increasing Access Across Generations
Healthcare companies have almost stopped employing the traditional ways of advertising. Patients always need quick access to information to reduce the risk of getting flu or to find new providers, including baby boomers, every generation is online. According to Forbes, as of 2017, 9 percent of Facebook users were above 55 years of age. This present generation is very tech-savvy, they search online for local healthcare services and healthcare information. They use Facebook and YouTube. So, you need to create a marketing strategy that targets baby boomers.
Generation X also searches health-related topics online, which accounts for 1.5 billion views on YouTube each day. As they care for children and aging parents, they may search for the best long-term care facilities, how to soothe a colicky baby, and so much more. As millennials are focused on healthy living and being cost-conscious, they depend more on social media platforms for healthcare information. Ninety-three percent of millennials say that they do not rely on healthcare providers for preventive health information.
Thus, as everyone goes online for healthcare information, healthcare service providers should consider the role of social media in healthcare seriously. By providing reliable and accurate information, healthcare providers can engage with consumers and increase the patient experience through social media.
Creating Authenticity
The days that the patients trust doctors blindly have gone. Healthcare consumers have become smarter and want to have relationships with providers who care for them. Allowing your tech-savvy employees to share videos and pictures of events or office helps have a human touch. It also improves patient engagement and overall patient satisfaction.
If patients know the people in your reception or nurses of respective departments, it helps them relax, engage, and makes them share their health history more openly. This is possible as they connect with those in the office through your social media in healthcare. It increases your authenticity.
Keeping an Eye on Competitors
Administrators and marketers keep an eye on their competitors through their social media platforms. They evaluate pain points, community involvements, service lines, and marketing strategies sitting in their offices. Hospitals and other providers can quickly get feedback on technologies and marketing strategies the competitors are using. This would help them if they want to incorporate these things in their care process before investing.
You can take note of the social media platforms where your competitors are performing well. This approach to social media in healthcare would remove the possibility of failure with your social media strategy, especially when you begin with it.
Real-time Updates
During emergencies and other situations, social media in healthcare allows you to communicate quickly. Social media updates can provide life-saving information, from crisis alerts to census notifications. World Health Organization (WHO) is an excellent example; they provide real-time information to the masses regarding any health crisis, warnings, and other critical safety information during disasters, using social media, especially Twitter.
Similarly, by providing real-time information to your consumers through your social media channels, you can increase your authenticity, authority, and dependency. Real-time access to information saves lives.
Gathering Feedback
Patients often want to communicate with their doctors quickly. They may need to share something about a recent appointment or about a reaction they had to medication. Making patients provide feedback on social media helps you learn how they feel about their medicine and care.
You can get essential feedback that might help you improve your care. It also helps you recognize and reward the staff that the consumers recognize. As a provider, you can also get back to them for additional information after the feedback you get from them on social media. This possibility of social media in healthcare will work more to provide better care next time.
Social Media for the Future
Social media in healthcare is going to stay here and have advancements from time to time. Most of the modern consumers are tech-savvy and want to have everything at their fingertips. Modern patients have no patience. Therefore, social media works to engage patients and enhance the patient experience and satisfaction.
Whether you are a large service provider, a solo practitioner, or run a hospital, you need a social media presence. For engaging with your community, social media in healthcare helps a lot. It can make an impact beyond your imagination. Use these strategies to improve the quality of the healthcare you provide.
It may be a tiresome job to do it all alone. We, at Media7, provide social media services to engage your consumers. Whether you are a service provider or a technology provider, we are here to help you with our compelling social media strategies. We help healthcare companies generate leads, brand themselves, increase sales, and make them your happy customers. For more details about us, visit https://media7.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media in health care?
When used cautiously, social media can provide clear benefits, such as clinical education, professional networking, and patient’s health promotion. However, there can be disadvantages too, including privacy and confidentiality of patients, resulting in formidable consequences.
How has social media influenced the marketing of health care?
For establishing public awareness and managing reputation, social media is practical means. As part of an effective marketing plan, social media has become an essential medium for healthcare professionals to interact with consumers and engage them.
What is the Importance of Social Media in the hospital?
By providing important and general information on healthcare, hospitals can make their presence more valuable to consumers. Encouraging patients to share their feedback and thoughts makes hospitals connect with them and improve the care process.
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Digital Healthcare
Article | December 29, 2021
Combating stress and anxiety can be a major challenge these days, but there are certain behaviors that contribute to those feelings, and you can take action right now to stop them and focus on your wellbeing. By taking a look at the way you react to others, how you practice self-care, and what kind of attitude you approach new tasks with, you can make some positive changes to your lifestyle that affect both your personal and professional lives.
Stop stressing over your current job
Almost everyone experiences job-related stress at some point in their lives, but when those feelings become overwhelming, it may be time to consider your options, according to Zenbusiness.com. Those in corporate positions and high-level management often cope with the most stress or anxiety due to the number of people they have working under them. If you find yourself bringing home feelings of irritability, or if you suffer from insomnia or a lack of focus during the day, take a look at open positions elsewhere and think about how much moving on could help you maintain a higher level of mental health. It can be scary to think about making such a major life change, but you’ll never know what possibilities lie out there if you don’t take a leap.
Stop competing with others
While some competition in the business world is a healthy motivator, other types can leave you feeling terrible about yourself. Rather than comparing your lifestyle or achievements to someone else’s, try to practice gratitude each day by using mindfulness techniques that allow you to focus on your own actions. Focus on your strengths and remind yourself that you’re doing the absolute best you can each day. Make it a point to congratulate others on their achievements, especially your coworkers, and do what you can to build others up. When it comes to social media, remember that the things we share only give a glimpse into the whole story, and that comparing your life to another’s can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing.
Stop ignoring your physical needs
While your mental wellbeing is obviously an important focus, it’s also crucial to think about how you can make sure your body is getting everything it needs. Working a corporate job often means sitting stationary at a desk for long hours, working through lunch hours, or working at home even after you’ve clocked out for the day. Allow yourself to rest by setting boundaries once you’re home, and give yourself the tools to get better sleep by creating an end-of-day routine that will help you relax and prepare to let the workday go. Eat plenty of lean protein and leafy greens to keep your energy up, and make it a point to get up and move around at work. You might also invest in a standing desk, as those come with multiple health advantages for individuals who spend much of the day sitting.
Stop dreading the new week
It can be helpful to set some boundaries where work is concerned, but it’s also important to get organized in order to banish that dread you feel on Monday morning. Facing a busy week can bring on stress and anxiety that leaves you feeling unprepared, but if you take the time to write out a to-do list on Friday, you can jump right in at the beginning of the week without feeling frazzled. It can also help to have something to look forward to, such as promising yourself a little treat once you get a certain amount of work done. Staying productive can be a big help, so if you have time left toward the end of the day and there’s a small task still to be done, don’t let your desire to leave early on a Friday afternoon take over. Finishing up can give you a sense of satisfaction and will keep you from feeling overwhelmed once the new week starts.
Stop saying yes to everything
Another behavior that leads to feeling overwhelmed is saying “yes” to anyone who asks for your time or energy. You may feel that doing so contributes to a helpful, team-oriented atmosphere at work, but it becomes a problem when you take on too much without focusing on your own needs at least part of the time. Learning how to diplomatically say no when you can’t take on any more responsibilities is a form of self-care that can banish stress and allow you to focus on your own needs without feeling guilty.
Letting go of stress, anxiety, and poor health habits can take some time, but by creating some new routines you can learn new habits that help you tackle anything life throws your way. Write down a strategy that encompasses your daily schedule, and get organized both at work and at home for maximum mental health benefits.
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