Future Trends in Health Care

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Future Trends in Health Care Arnel Marzan HCS/533 June 03, 2013 Lee E. Edwards, MS Future Trends in Health Care Health care is provided by a variety of different practitioners in multiple disciplines that work together to care for the patient. Although the American health care system is in the process of reform, it has progressed in medical technology as it continues to evolve in response to a number of social, political, scientific, and environmental issues. “Medical technology is a major driver of the health care system, and the system quickly absorbs new devices and pharmaceuticals” (Sultz, & Young, 2008, p. 445). Our health care system has supported the use of information technology designed to produce a safe, effective, timely, and patient-centered care delivery. In the past 30 years, technology has significantly altered the lives of the American society, leaving no segments untouched by advances in technological trends. Some are directly impacted by the changes, and others are affected through the changes in their organizations. The evolution of medical technology not only brought changes in the lives of the people but also made progress related to the work environment and productivity. The use of the Internet website by consumers tripled in 2001, as people are exploring more of their options before making health care decisions. The quality of the consumer health information on the Internet is an important issue among health providers. “Both clinicians and patients can benefit from the improvements in timeliness through the use of Internet-based communication (i.e., e-visits, telemedicine) and immediate access to automated clinical information, diagnostic tests, and treatment results” (Briere, 2001, p. 164). In this paper, I will discuss the future trends in health care and point out issues on how the Internet and other form of electronic
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