How Hospitals Are Using Communication and Technology in 2012

Hospitals are no longer relying on paper and pen to maintain communications and records. In fact, health care professionals are increasingly relying on computers and tablets to input and check patient records in real time. Healthcare IT is a growing industry and as it grows it's prompting continuing education initiatives at health care providers throughout the country. Utilizing technology in the healthcare sector is good for patients and professionals alike.

Improving Communication

In hospitals, systems that used to rely on phones and pagers no longer need to. Rather, communications systems are using smartphones and tablets. In some instances, the use of these healthcare IT options may help to reduce the length of a stay for patients. Communications are becoming more centralized to reduce the time it takes to communicate information and, also, reducing the potential for errors.

A study was published that indicates that patient stays as a whole can be reduced by nearly a day with successful implementation. In short, this new type of communication tool enables better communication between doctors, caretakers, and patients to provide faster and more accurate responses.

It's Happening Everywhere

This type of boost in healthcare IT is happening everywhere. Some hospitals are more wired than others are - there's even a list of the "Most Wired" in the country for the year. There are various benefits to boosting IT in the healthcare industry. It addresses various inefficiencies within the hospital administration.

• Patient data remains protected. Hospitals concerned with this are using state-of-the-art technology to ensure confidentiality is present. 93 percent of the "Most Wired" hospitals use intrusion detection systems.
• Managing patient flow is another big factor. With the use of improved technology, hospitals can get patients in and out faster no matter if it is a surgical ward or a doctor's office. 74 percent of hospitals are employing this tool.
• Improving communications with staff is just as important to hospitals. Technology can help in that way, too. Of those included in the list, 90 percent of them are doing so to improve inefficiencies related to communication delays.
• 100 percent of hospitals are using these technologies to ensure drug interactions and allergies for medications provided to patients are monitored. This can help to reduce the number of medication errors that occur.

Going high tech is not something just for the financial industry or Silicon Valley. Rather, it is something that even hospitals can take full advantage of and benefit from in various ways. By providing support live, by increasing communications between doctors, nurses, and patients, doctors can remain more confident in the service they are providing. Be on the lookout for updated communications systems at your workplace, the adjustment can be tough, but the benefits are worth it!

Marylou Domingue Marylou studied journalism and sociology in the Southwest and discovered an interest in and knack for pop culture. She now blogs for various tech sites between catching up on her favorite TV shows.