Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care - KEY TERMS
Adenosine/Dobutamine Stress Test
Diagnostic tests for patients who cannot exercise; medications (Adenosine or Dobutamine) are used to stress the heart and simulate the effects of exercise.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
A non-invasive imaging tech that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissue and organs.
Health Information Exchange (HIE):
The electronic movement of health-related information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards.
Database
A structured collection of data (e.g., a list of all patients in a clinic).
Image-Guided Surgery
Using real-time images (like CT or MRI) during a procedure to help the surgeon navigate the body.
Computerized Tomography
A scanning technique using multiple X-ray images to create "slices" or cross-sectional views of the body.
Nuclear Stress Test
A non-invasive imaging tech that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissue and organs.
Patient Portals
Secure online websites that give patients 24-hour access to personal health information (lab results, scheduling, etc.).
Firewalls
Security systems that act as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted one (like the Internet) to prevent unauthorized access.
Lasers
Intense beams of light used in surgery for cutting tissue or in therapy for non-invasive treatments
Echocardiogram
An ultrasound of the heart used to see its chambers, valves, and pumping ability.
Positron Emission Tomographykihp
An imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (tracer) to look for disease or observe how tissues function at a cellular level.
Telemedicine
The use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services to patients at a distance
Mainframe vs. Microcomputer
A Mainframe is a large, powerful computer used by large organizations for bulk data processing; a Microcomputer is a standard personal computer (desktop or laptop).
Radiation Therapy
The use of high-energy particles or waves (like X-rays or gamma rays) to destroy or damage cancer cells.
Electrocardiogram
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to check for abnormal rhythms.
Ultrasonography
The use of high-frequency sound waves to view internal organs and structures (commonly used for gallbladder, kidneys, and obstetrics).
Telepharmacies
The delivery of pharmaceutical care (like prescriptions and counseling) via telecommunications to patients in locations without a local pharmacist.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
A battery backup system that provides near-instantaneous power to equipment if the main power fails.
Robotic Surgery
Surgery performed using a robotic arm controlled by a surgeon from a console, allowing for extreme precision.
Exercise Stress Test
Monitoring the heart's rhythm and blood pressure while a patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bike.
Electronic Health Record (EHR):
A digital, real-time version of a patient’s medical history that can be shared across different healthcare settings
Computer-Aided Design
Software used to create precision drawings or technical illustrations (used in healthcare for designing prosthetics or dental implants).
Ergonomics
The science of designing the workplace (chairs, keyboards, monitor height) to prevent strain or injury for the worker
Electrocardiogram
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart to check for abnormal rhythms.