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Evaluate your present professional practice.
In my current professional practice, I utilize a variety of health information systems that contribute significantly to the electronic and technological capabilities of the organization. One such system is the Electronic Health Record (EHR), which serves as a central repository of patients’ medical histories and allows for the sharing of clinical information to improve patient safety.
The EMR system also plays a vital role in improving patient safety by incorporating decision support tools, alerts, and reminders that help prevent medication errors, identify potential drug interactions or allergies, and ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines and best practices (Uslu & Stausberg, 2021). Additionally, the system’s ability to generate legible and standardized documentation reduces the risk of miscommunication among healthcare providers and enhances the continuity and quality of care for our patients.
From an operational perspective, the EMR system streamlines administrative workflows, automates routine tasks, and reduces paperwork, thereby optimizing efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization within our organization (Uslu & Stausberg, 2021). The integration of billing, coding, and reporting functionalities further enhances revenue cycle management and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability (Uslu & Stausberg, 2021).
Technological tool/advance/innovation used in a healthcare system.
One surfacing technological tool/advance/innovation used in healthcare systems is Telehealth or Telemedicine. Telehealth refers to the use of digital communication technologies, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile health applications, to deliver healthcare services remotely (Haleem et al., 2021). This innovative approach to healthcare delivery has gained significant momentum, especially in recent years, due to its potential to overcome geographical barriers, improve access to care, and enhance patient engagement and convenience.
Telehealth enables healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations, diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, monitor patient progress, and provide ongoing care management without the need for in-person visits (Haleem et al., 2021). This not only expands access to specialist care for patients in underserved or remote areas but also reduces travel time, costs, and logistical challenges associated with traditional healthcare delivery models. Additionally, telehealth can facilitate timely interventions, early detection of health issues, and proactive management of chronic conditions, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction (Haleem et al., 2021).
Workflow
Implementing Telehealth into a healthcare practice requires careful planning and integration into existing workflows to ensure seamless and effective delivery of care. The process begins with patients scheduling Telehealth appointments through the healthcare organization’s online portal, mobile app, or calling the scheduling department (Haleem et al., 2021). At the scheduled appointment time, patients log into the Telehealth platform using a secure and HIPAA-compliant connection. Healthcare providers initiate the virtual consultation, greet the patient, and conduct the remote visit, which may include history taking, physical examination guidance, symptom assessment, treatment recommendations, medication management, and patient education (Haleem et al., 2021). After the virtual consultation, healthcare providers document the encounter, update the patient’s medical record, and communicate the treatment plan, recommendations, and next steps to the patient. The healthcare organization’s billing and coding team reviews the Telehealth encounter, ensures accurate documentation and coding compliance, and submits claims to payers for reimbursement. By carefully planning, implementing, and continuously evaluating Telehealth utilization, healthcare organizations can expand access to care, improve patient engagement and satisfaction, enhance clinical outcomes, and achieve operational efficiencies in the delivery of healthcare services (Haleem et al., 2021).
Strengths, Weaknesses, and assisting in the patient care delivery,
Implementing a Telehealth tool into a healthcare practice presents both strengths and weaknesses in enhancing patient care delivery. Some strengths of telehealth are that it enables patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas, to access healthcare services remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and enhancing healthcare accessibility. Telehealth can reduce healthcare costs associated with transportation, hospital readmissions, and missed workdays, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers (Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2021). Lastly, telehealth offers patients the flexibility to schedule and attend virtual appointments at their convenience, reducing travel time, waiting room delays, and disruptions to daily routines (Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2021).
Some weaknesses that telehealth has are ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient information transmitted and stored during telehealth encounters is paramount to protecting patient privacy and complying with healthcare regulations and privacy laws. Another weakness is the inability to conduct hands-on physical examinations, diagnostic tests, or procedures remotely may limit the scope of Telehealth services and necessitate in-person visits for certain medical conditions or situations requiring immediate medical attention (Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2021).
Despite the identified weaknesses, Telehealth can significantly assist in patient care delivery by enabling optimizes the allocation and utilization of healthcare resources by reducing unnecessary hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and healthcare expenditures, while reallocating savings to fund other priority areas, enhance service delivery, and improve patient care quality and access (Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2021).. Healthcare providers to deliver personalized, patient-centered care through virtual consultations, tailored treatment plans, continuous monitoring, and timely interventions, addressing individual needs, preferences, and goals.
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