Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care
is educational computer.programming designed for individualized use. It is user paced, user friendly, and proceeds in an orderly, organized fashion from topic to topic. It may use video, animated graphics, color, and sound.
computer-assisted instruction (CAI) -
A heart test that uses medication instead of exercise to increase blood flow to the heart while images are taken.
adenosine stress test
or e-mail, is the process of sending messages from one computer to another. It allows health care providers to quickly send messages, memos, announcements, reports, and other data to one or more persons.
electronic mail
Security systems that protect networks from unauthorized access
Firewalls
This computerized, body-scanning method uses nuclear magnetic resonance instead of X-ray radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging alters the magnetic position of hydrogen atoms to produce an image. The patient is placed in a large circular magnet, which uses the magnetic field to measure the activity of hydrogen atoms within the body (Figure 12-9A). A computer translates that activity into crosssectional images ofthe body (Figure 12-9B),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The ability to use computers and related technology efficiently.
computer literacy
originally used by engineers and designers, has also found a place in therapeutic treatment. Using three-dimensional imaging models, individuals who make prosthetics, or artificial parts, can custom design individualized prosthetics such as hands, legs, fingers, and other body parts that will precisely match the physical requirements ofthe individual for whom they are designed.
computer-aided design (CAD)
Ergonomics is an applied science used to promote an individuals safety
Ergonomics
that allows all health care agencies to readily transfer patient electronic health records (EHRs) between agencies in a national network.
health information exchange (HIE)
which can sit on a desktop, to a very large
mainframe computer
Introduced in 1972, this noninvasive, computerized X-ray (Figure 12-8A) permits physicians to see clear, cross-sectional views of both bone and body tissues and to find abnormalities such as tumors or bleeding
computerized tomography (CT)
uses technology to direct ultrahigh-frequency sound waves through the chest wall and into the heart; a computer then converts the reflection of the waves into an image of the heart; usually a reading is taken while the patient is at rest and then another reading is taken after exercise when the heart rate rises to a target level; used to evaluate cardiac function, reveal valve irregularities, show defects in the heart walls, and visualize the presence of fluid between the layers of the pericardium (membrane that surrounds the outside of the heart)
Echocardiogram
an ECG run while the patient is exercising (Figure 12-7); usually involves walking a treadmill or riding an exercise bike until a target heart rate is reached; allowsthe physician to evaluate the function of the patient'sheart during activity
exercise stress test
is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon uses preoperative and intraoperative images to guide or direct the surgery (Figure 12-13). Before the surgery, CTs or MRIs are taken of the surgical area.
image-guided surgery (IGS)
such as a handheld tablet, smartphone, or personal digital assistant (PDA), to a laptop in a compact case
Microcomputer
An organized collection of information stored electronically for easy access and updating.
Database
a computerized interpretation system that produces visual pictures on a computer monitor and a printout of the electrical activity of a patient's heart; gives important information concerning the spread of electrical impulses to the heart chambers and assists in diagnosing heart disease
electrocardiogram (ECG)
Individual pieces of data in a record (for example, name or birthdate).
Fields
which links millions of computers throughout theod world.
Internet
Through the use of systems called
Networks
used for patients who cannot exercise; a medication that simulates the effect of exercise is given to increase the blood flow and heart rate; physician can determine how heart responds to stress
dobutamine stress test
is a computerized version of a patient's medical information that may include statistical data (name, address, telephone number, insurance information, etc.), diagnoses, medical history, treatments, medications taken, tests performed, and any other information that could be included in a patient's paper record.
electronic health record (EHR)
when a group of related records is combined, this is called a
file
or light beams that can be focused precisely, are one example.
Lasers
a small amount of a radioactive substance such as thallium is given intravenously; a special camera is used to identify the rays emitted from the substance while the patient is at rest and then during exercise; allows the physician to evaluate which parts of the heart are healthy and function normally and which parts are not because a less-than-normal amount of the radioactive substance will be seen in areas ofthe heart with a decreased blood supply
nuclear stress test