Application of Information Technology in Health Care - Essay Example

It is good to embrace technology, but the question of ethics reminds us to evaluate fully its repercussions to general welfare of humankind. New technologies are beneficial if used in the right way. However, sometimes they can be a source of human suffering. Gabrielle Olivera (2005) points out that, the use of Radio Frequency Identification dates back in1940s. VeriChip was used for security purposes and tracking of livestock. Gabrielle Olivera continues to elaborate on the modern uses of chips such as, tagging of medical bottles, packaged foods, rental cars, and drivers licenses.

Implantation of chips into human body has sparked debates among human rights activist and other organizations (Tavani, 2009). This is controversy, which remains unresolved to date. This paper seeks to compare the pros and cons regarding the use of chip technology in Medical Record System. The paper attempts to raise legal and ethical awareness of the technology in question. It will use evidence-based arguments to compare the pros and cons of Electronic Health System in order to declare my stand on this matter.

It will finally provide recommendations and conclusion based on the weight of the cons and pros. Implantation of chips to human is not new in the field of medicine. Installation of pacemakers prolongs the lives of patients. Goran Hermeren, the chairperson on European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, carried out a research on implantation technology in 2005. In his report, to the European Commission, he highlights that the usage of implantable chips dates back to 1960s. He lists some examples such as cardiovascular pacemakers used in heart failure patients and cochlear implants, which aid in signal transmission to the ear.

It is evident from this report that chips have restored human capabilities. However, it is necessary to compare the benefits of electronic implants on one hand and the risks on the other hand. These are pros and cons. Some of the pros of Electronic Health Records include its usage during an emergency. Glaser and Salzberg (2011), reveals that the electronic health records play an important role during this time. This is because the patients do not have their health records with them and therefore Electronic implants acts as a source of reference.

In addition, they are unconscious and there fore cannot give their personal details. In such cases, Electronic Health Records provide patients’ health information. They give useful information such as the patients’ health history there fore save lives. During disasters and natural calamities, they are sources of useful information. It is clear that Electronic Health Records inform of implants achieve highest degree of accuracy. Patients may forget to provide some important facts of their health history.

For example, they may have some allergies to certain medicines and failure to give this information brings disaster to their health. On the other hand, opponents of the electronic health records cite their unresolved issues concerning respect for fundamental rights to oppose its adoption in the health sector. To begin with, these chips lack insurance covers. Hammaker (2010) depicts that manufactures of chips do not assume responsibility in case of any danger that may arise from their usage. Some these implants are quite expensive and it is unfair to compel patients to have them in their bodies.

The technology violates human dignity. Insertion of implants is violation of human dignity. Security issues are also matters of great concern. Tavani (2009) notes that patients are not ready lose their identity to a third party. Moreover, Health Record implants can cause electrical hazards, which can result into death of patients. This