Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care
adenosine stress test
A cardiac perfusion test performed on patients unable to exercise; the drug adenosine is used to dilate coronary arteries to simulate the effects of exercise.
database
A large, organized collection of data stored in a computer system that can be easily accessed and managed.
electronic mail
Often called e-mail; the exchange of digital messages over a communication network.
firewalls
Software or hardware security systems that prevent unauthorized access to a private network.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A diagnostic technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of internal body structures.
computer literacy
The basic understanding of how computers work and the ability to use them efficiently for specific tasks.
dobutamine stress test
A diagnostic procedure where the drug dobutamine is administered to increase heart rate and contraction strength, used to assess heart function in patients who cannot exercise.
ergonomics
The science of designing the workplace and equipment to fit the user’s physical needs, aiming to reduce strain, fatigue, and injury.
health information exchange (HIE)
The electronic sharing of health-related information among different healthcare organizations and systems.
mainframe computer
A very large, high-speed computer capable of processing and storing massive amounts of data for many users at once.
computer-aided design (CAD
The use of computer software to create, modify, and optimize precise 2-D or 3-D designs, such as for prosthetics or medical devices.
echocardiogram
A test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create live images of the heart's valves and chambers.
exercise stress test
A test that monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings while a patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike
image-guided surgery (IGS)
A surgical procedure where the surgeon uses real-time computer-generated images to navigate and guide instruments.
microcomputer
Also known as a personal computer; a small computer designed for an individual user (e.g., a laptop or desktop).
computer-assisted instruction (CAI)
Educational software or programs designed to provide instruction and training to students or healthcare staff.
electrocardiogram (ECG)
A record or graph of the electrical activity of the heart, used to detect abnormal rhythms or heart damage.
fields
Specific categories within a database record, such as "Name," "Address," or "Diagnosis."
internet
The worldwide network of interconnected computers that allows for the global exchange of information.
networks
Systems formed by linking two or more computers together to share data, software, and hardware resources.
computerized tomography (CT)
A noninvasive imaging scan that uses x-rays and computer processing to create detailed, cross-sectional views of the body's soft tissues and bones.
electronic health record (EHR)
A digital, longitudinal record of a patient's health information that can be shared across different healthcare settings and providers.
file
A collection of related records stored together in a computer system.
lasers
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; concentrated beams of light used in surgery to cut or destroy tissue with high precision.
nuclear stress test
An imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show how well blood flows to the heart muscle during rest and activity.