Question

As part of the anti-recession stimulus bill, the federal government allocated $19 billion dollars to subsidize the modernization of medical records. You’ve been considering making the switch to computer-based records for some time now, and the stimulus funds will certainly make that decision a little easier now. But, which system will you buy? You’ve visited a number of other practices and hospitals to see what they’re using, and you’ve found a dizzying variety—desktops, laptops, PDAs, smartphones, all running different software.
You’ve heard, though, that Apple’s iPad might trump them all. Released in April 2010, Apple’s tablet computer has an elegant design and an operating system that is so easy to use, that a widespread YouTube video shows a two-year-old figuring out how to use it in just five minutes. With its great battery life, light weight, and sharp display, many in the medical industry are practically giddy about how the iPad can revolutionize medical records. Already, insurance giant Kaiser Permanente, Harvard Medical Schools, and the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Hospital have conducted trial programs to test the iPad’s functionality in medical facilities. Best of all, it’s relatively cheap compared to other laptop computers, and it has a low learning curve, since most of the doctors in your practice already use the iPhone.
In addition to getting federal funding, then, the iPad can bring several first-mover advantages for your practice. Your medical records will be consolidated and more efficient than competitors, which will make your entire operation run more smoothly. Patients will have to spend less time waiting for you and your staff to retrieve their charts and review their history. And, it never hurts to have a reputation for being a practice that uses cutting edge technology. But just as you’re about to order iPads for everyone in the office, one of your colleagues has some warnings. Do you think that flimsy thing can handle the rigors of a medical setting, he asks? He doesn’t think it would last more than a month in a pediatrician’s office, much less a hectic emergency room. And what about security? What kind of features does it have that will protect patient confidentiality? And then, he drops this bomb on you: “You know, people who buy first generation Apple products are suckers . . .” He reminds you that the first iPhone sold for $600, but had a minimal number of applications. Just two months later, the price was cut to $400, and ten months after that, they sold the iPhone 3G, with faster network access and thousands of more apps, for just $300. You could buy the iPad now, he says, but why not wait until Apple releases a cheaper, faster iPad with better features? And then, he reminds you that HP, Google, and other competitors will soon be releasing their own tablet computers. What if those are even better for medical records and they become the industry standard? Do we want to be left behind?

Questions

1. Considering the various first-mover and second-mover advantages, would you switch to the iPad or wait?  

2. How important is it that the medical records system you select for your practice reflects the industry standard?

3. Do the benefits of having a computerized medical records system outweigh the costs involved in setting that system up?

Please write a 500-to-700 paper in APA Style answering all questions, and include at least 3 reputable sources.

Answer 1

1. Modernization of medical records has been announced by the Government and give the subsidiary of $19 billion. For the purpose of modernization, the various hospital uses different devices to available the record electronically. The devices play important role while doing the medical record electronically. The devices should be very efficient and take care of policies and standard as per the government orders. The devices which is used for this process would have certain standards. They should be cost effective and easier to be used. They should ensure the security of the content and data/information’s. hence, in my opinion the medical organization should wait for the new products which contains much software’s and securities. This should be cheaper than the iPad. As the work does not affect by the decision now so they can wait for the new devices.

2. The medical organization’s having the data and information’s of the individual. The government actually regulates the policies and standards for the medical organizations. The medical records are more important for the people as it contains the information of that particular country. If the details of the medical records are breaches then there would be economic effect on the country. The medical records actually record the information and practices of the hospital. This can be analyses by the various government agencies for the policy making. Hence the data should be in particular formats which leads to the easier understanding of data and processing of the data. This is beneficiary to the organization as to proof they do not made any mistake if in case any issue happens to them. It best reflects the practices of the hospital. This is important for the industry standard to be followed for the analysis of the record for new Research and development. They help in providing the best medicine and cure to the patient.

3. Yes, the computerized medical records system outweighs the costs involved in setting that system up. This is because the computer reduces the time which is involved in the physical process. Although the installation is costlier, but the usage of the computerized systems are more beneficiary to the system. The benefits they provide which reduce the cost associated at the point of time as the processing time also decreases for the individual. Hence the remaining time can be utilizing for some other works. The system provides the easier usage of the system. The system reduces the working staff and so the errors also which actually deteriorate the process in the hospital. If any mistake happens then it would be easily verified. The enhance in the productivity of the hospital increases the rating of the hospital. The fame increases to the hospital so the business also increases to the hospital. Thus, the revenue generated also increases. The task which takes time would be also guided by the system or suggestion shown by the system helps the worker to perform more effectively. Hence, the installation charges are much less than the benefits it actually provides to the system.

References:

1. Google books
2. Google journal on ERS system
3. Government Websites of the OSHA