Mobile Computing and Social Networking

CIS 500

With the new information age, health care providers are expected to keep up with the new healthcare technologies, treatments, medications, and different procedures that are introduced to the consumers at a rapid pace. With the introduction of technology in health care, patient stats can be a lot more accurate and yield a better outcome. The use of smart phones, and wireless technology devices has allowed patients to monitor vital signs, and upload this information to their health care provider’s information systems. Patients are also able to do videoconferencing using their Smart Phones in order to have remote consultations with their doctors. These technological advancements are allowing patients to take a more proactive approach in their healthcare. Traditional medical practices in the past have made this process almost impossible, because the systems were unable to organize, store, and retrieve medical and patient information. Today's information systems have made the impossible possible. The new technology comes with technical problems that will have pros and cons in mobile computing technology for better, and safer healthcare. A few problems include improving the quality of patient care, patient safety, preventing medical errors, reducing healthcare costs, helping patients manage their sickness, and minimizing the impact of the new enemy we all face with bioterrorism. Some other examples of how mobile computing systems immensely helped improve preventive patient care are the Regenstrief Medical Record System (RMRS). This particular system can store over 30 years of patient data from different emergency room visits, hospital stays, lab test results, clinical visits, and radiology studies. It is set up to generate flow sheets, and reminders as well as capture physician’s orders. By receiving computer