Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Originally used by engineers, this technology allows for the creation of 3D models of body parts that can be used to design individualized prosthetics such as hands, legs, and fingers.
Electronic Health Record (EHR)
A digitized version of a patient's medical history that can be accessed by authorized health care providers.
Software & Data
Database, fields, file, record, spreadsheet.
Echocardiogram
A technology that directs ultrahigh-frequency sound waves through the chest wall and into the heart to create an image of the heart
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A scan where a slightly radioactive substance is injected into the patient and detected by the scanner to create a three-dimensional image.
Image-Guided Surgery (IGS)
A surgical procedure where a surgeon uses three-dimensional images of the operative site to perform minimal-invasion incisions with a high degree of precision.
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
A system that allows medical records and patient information to be electronically transferred or shared between different health care facilities or providers.
Networking
Firewalls, Internet, networks, viruses.
Nuclear Stress Test
A test where a small amount of a radioactive substance is given intravenously while the patient is at rest and then during exercise.
Ultrasonography
The use of high-frequency sound waves, also called ultrasound, used as a noninvasive method for imaging.
Radiation Therapy
A treatment using high-energy particles to decrease the size of tumors and treat cancer.
Patient Portals
Secure online websites that allow patients to communicate with their physicians, view lab results, or pay bills.
Education & Desgin
Computer literacy, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-assisted instruction (CAI), virtual learning.
Dobutamine or Adenosine Stress Test
Used for patients who cannot exercise; a medication is given to increase blood flow and heart rate.
Image-Guided Surgery (IGS)
A surgical procedure where a surgeon uses three-dimensional images of the operative site to perform minimal-invasion incisions.
Telemedicine
The use of video, audio, and computer systems to provide medical or health care services across distances.
Telepharmacies
Systems that allow for rapid dispensing of medications through a computerized dispensing unit that is then mailed or sent to the patient.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A computerized interpretation system that produces visual pictures on a computer monitor and a printout of the electrical activity of a patient's heart.
Computerized Tomography (CT)
Introduced in 1972, this is a noninvasive, computerized X-ray that permits physicians to see clear, cross-sectional views of both bone and body tissues.
Radiation Therapyncer.:
The use of high-energy particles to decrease the size of tumors and treat cancer.
Patient Monitoring
A field that uses computers and technology to display vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
Hardware
Mainframe computer, microcomputer, personal computer, uninterrupted power supply (UPS).
Exercise Stress Test
An ECG run while the patient is exercising.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
A computerized, body-scanning method that uses nuclear magnetic resonance instead of X-ray radiation.
Lasers
\ Concentrated light beams used in therapeutic treatment, such as reshaping the cornea or removing plaque from arteries