Telecommunications in health care - Essay Example

Task Telecommunication in healthcare refers to the use of technology for the purpose of sharing information concerning health in and around medical facilities (Kudumovic & Sukic, 2010). It can be referred to as telemedicine, which involves sending medically related information from one region to another (Kudumovic & Sukic, 2010). The patient can be in a different location from where medical assistance is offered, and still get attended to using telemedicine. Internet is very important when using telemedicine, apart from the availability of computers.

The purpose of this paper is to talk about examples of telecommunication used I the workplace, the advantages and disadvantages of telecommunication, and new developments expected in the sector. An example of telecommunication technology used in the place of work is telephonic nurse case manager. It is used for getting timely and cost effective results by communicating and negotiating with patients, their providers and employers. The claims management process is facilitated using electronic data interface, which downloads case process documents into the patient’s claims management system.

The telephonic nurse case manager is beneficial because it enables the patient to receive the appropriate treatment for his or her injuries. It is also beneficial because the patient is able to go back to work as soon as possible: the telephonic nurse case manager has a return to work plan. The use of telecommunication has a lot of advantages (Suter & Johnston, 2011). Hospitals that use telemedicine achieve reduced costs in their operations (Suter & Johnston, 2011). Suter and Johnson describe how learning is easily done through actions compared to listening.

Therefore, telemedicine has the benefit of teaching patients how to take care of themselves since they will have learned through actions. Telemedicine increases the number of patients attended to by a physician (Gorman, 2011). This addresses the issue where there are very few physicians attending to the increasing number of patients (Gorman, 2011). There is a two way interactive television with a patient at one end and a physician at the other (Gillette, 2003). This is useful when a patient is not able to travel to the urban area for treatment.

The use of telecommunication technology in healthcare has disadvantages when it comes to delivering the required equipment to the patients home (Gillette, 2003). In America, some states do not allow physicians from another state to perform their services to other states (Gillette, 2003). Therefore, a physician in one state cannot use telecommunication technology to administer healthcare to patient in another state (Gillette, 2003). Another disadvantage of telecommunication technology in healthcare is that it requires training (Carlisle, 2012).

This means that both the physician and the patient need to be technologically savvy. According to Carlisle, some nurses found it difficult to use laptops when they were first given to them. This can lead to miscommunication, and the patient may receive wrong medical attention. Some of these telecommunication technologies require the use of internet for them to work. In a case where internet becomes slow or refuses to work, a patient in need of medical attention may be at risk. In the next five years, laws that hinder physicians from attending to patients across states using telecommunication technology will be resolved.

Getting equipment into patient’s houses will also be made easier in the next five years. Internet providers will improve their transmission due to the high demand coming from the medical sector. Physician patient ratio will be improved in the next five years due to the increased use of telecommunication technology in healthcare.ReferencesCarlisle, D. (2012). Remote Access to Closer Care. Vol. 26, No 29.Gillette, B. (2003). Telecommunications technology makes its mark on healthcare delivery.

Telemedicine.Gorman, M. (2011). Supporting Medical Staff and patients in a New Era. Telemedicine.Johnston, D. & Suter, P. (2011). Theory-based Telehealth and Patient Empowerment. Population Health Management. Vol. 14, No. 2. 10.1089/pop.2010.0013.Kudumovic, M. & Sukic, C. (2010). Technology of information transfer on distance for telemedicine needs. HealthMed. Vol. 4, No. 4.