Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care
Adenosine stress test
A test used for patients who cannot exercise; a medication is given to increase blood flow and heart rate to determine how the heart responds to stress.
Database
An organized collection of information.
Electronic mail:
A method of communication used by health care personnel to send documents, reports, or messages.
Firewalls
Software used to provide computer security and protect data.
Magnetic resonance imaging
A body-scanning method that uses nuclear magnetic resonance instead of radiation to produce cross-sectional images.
Computer literacy
A basic understanding of how a computer works and the applications used in your field or profession
Dobutamine stress test:
A test for patients who cannot exercise; uses medication to simulate the effect of exercise to evaluate heart response.
Ergonomics
An applied science used to promote an individual's safety and well-being by adapting the environment to prevent injuries.
Health information exchange
A national network that allows health care agencies to transfer patient electronic health records (EHRs) between agencies.
Mainframe computer:
A very large computer that can control massive operations, such as a rocket launch.
Computer-aided design
use in treatment/education
Echocardiogram
A test that uses ultrahigh-frequency sound waves directed through the chest wall to create a computer image of the heart.
Exercise stress test:
An ECG run while the patient is exercising (such as on a treadmill) to evaluate heart function during activity.
Image-guided surgery
A treatment method using technology to guide surgical procedures.
Microcomputer
Handheld tablets, smartphones, or laptops used to record and access data.
Computer-assisted instruction
Educational tools used for health care personnel, such as professional nurses and physicians, often involving virtual learning or simulators.
Electrocardiogram
A computerized interpretation system that produces visual pictures and printouts of the electrical activity of a patient's heart.
Fields
Specific areas within a database where information (like a name or address) is entered.
Internet
A network used to communicate with other health care personnel, research networks, or patients.
Networks
Interconnected systems used for communication and sharing information between health care provider
Computerized tomography
A noninvasive, computerized X-ray that permits physicians to see clear, cross-sectional views of both bone and body tissues.
Electronic health record (
A computerized version of a patient's medical information, including history, treatments, and test results.
File
: A group of related records combined together, such as all patient records in a dental office.
Lasers
Highly focused light beams that can be used as scalpels or to heat targeted cells until they burst.
Nuclear stress test
A test where a radioactive substance is injected to identify rays emitted while the patient is at rest and during exercise to evaluate heart health.