Health Care Industry Paper

Health Care Industry Paper

Doreen Austin

HCS/449

Health Care Industry Paper

“Ultimately, health care fails the most basic test. It's not organized around the needs of the patient.”  (Porter, n.d.)

Introduction

The health care industry is an ever-changing area of business, where not only the patients needs constantly change, but also treatments and technology change as well. New breakthroughs for certain treatments brig along very positive change, and though change is not always easy, it is necessary. Concentrating on a decade in health care, all aspects of the industry have changed tremendously. The general design of health care facilities are much different today than what they were 10 years ago, as well as the professional training staff needs to be able to fill the positions. New treatments are available, as well as new technology to enhance the safety of the patients, as well as bring about a great success rate in treatment. Staff has to continue to evolve with the new enhancements, and technologies to be able to deliver the best health care services possible.

Changes

Over the past ten years health care as a whole has seen many changes, with some of the key areas of the past being the lack of preventative care, the lack of respect for the patients, as well as a lack in control of infections and infectious diseases. Furthermore, cultural changes, and ever changing technology have driven trends and introduced change. The quality of service, and the way demographic and socio-economic factors are aspects of new health care systems, facilities and care, have changed largely over the past decade. With the shift in patient involvement in their own care, and the advancement of preventative care, the health care industry had no choice but to refocus and change (Leonard, 2014).  

Technology

Technology is an area in health care that constantly changes, and changes happen very fast. In the last decade the technology in health care has seen one of the largest growths. Today patients are empowered with easier access to their records, as well as many health care apps and online information. Furthermore, many patients are able to communicate with the caregiver online, rather than having to schedule an appointment, increasing wait times at the clinics or hospitals. A few key changes in technology include:

1. Electronic health record – in 2009 only about 16% of U.S. hospitals were using an electronic health record (EHR) but by 2013 nearly 80% of hospitals were using an EHR.  The EHR allows for instant access to a patients’ medical record providing for a more efficient form of communication.
2. Telemedicine – rural settings have always created a challenge for patients and providers.  Telemedicine facilitates patients and providers communication reducing the need for long travel to diagnose small ailments.
3. Self-service kiosks – very similar to portal technology, self-service kiosk enable patients to register within a health care system, allow for the signing of documentation and assist patients with their copayment.
4. Portal technology – access to their records through a portal allows a patient to communicate directly with their care provider through the portal.  Used for everything from asking a question to managing their health care, this technology has enabled patients to become part of their health care team.
5. Wireless communication – instant messaging is not a new technology, but its use in the health care system is new.  Allowing for real-time communication to staff on the move increases the efficiency of all staff (Jayanthi, 2014).

When considering what the future may hold, and the impact future technology may have we are left to only speculate. Currently many consumers are changing lifestyles, and utilize advanced technology to enhance their own health and well-being. I am certain that the technologies available to consumers will continue to become more detailed, and more advanced in what they can actually measure. Digital access to records and providers will continue to be more and more the norm, which will ensure patient safety, as well as at home monitoring, without creating long wait times at the actual facilities. Concierge medicine – is still in very early stages of development, but the industry can anticipate more providers and consumers reverting to this type of care.  The patient can have the doctor work for them, not the other way around.  The care provided will be top of the line since the provider is dependent on keeping the patient, not an outside payer happy (Gilpin, 2014).