Ch. 12 Computers and Technology in Health Care - KEY TERMS
computer literacy
A basic understanding of how a computer works and the applications used in your field/profession.
dobutamine stress test:
A stress test using medication for patients who cannot exercise.
ergonomics
The science of designing equipment, workstations, and workflows to fit the human body's needs, reducing strain and preventing repetitive motion injuries.
health information exchange
A system that allows health care agencies to transfer patient EHRs between agencies in a national network.
mainframe computer
: A very large, powerful computer
computer-aided design (CAD)
Small computers such as handheld tablets, smartphones, or laptops.
echocardiogram
:Uses ultrahigh-frequency sound waves to create an image of the heart to evaluate cardiac function.
exercise stress test
An ECG run while the patient is exercising (usually on a treadmill or bike).
image-guided surgery
Surgery performed with the aid of real-time computer-generated images.
microcomputer
A small, relatively inexpensive computer with a central processing unit (CPU) contained on a single integrated circuit chip (microprocessor).
computer-assisted instruction (CAI)
A computer designed to sit on a desktop.
electrocardiogram
:A computerized interpretation of the electrical activity of a patient's heart.
fields
Individual areas within a database where specific information (like a name or address) is entered.
Internet
:The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use standard communication protocols (TCP/IP) to link billions of devices worldwide, enabling the exchange of data and information.
networks
A collection of interconnected computers and devices that communicate and share resources, such as patient files, software, or hardware.
computerized tomography (CT
A noninvasive X-ray that permits cross-sectional views of bone and body tissue
electronic health record
A computerized version of a patient's medical information.
file
:A group of related records (e.g., all patient records in a dental office).
lasers
:Focused light beams used in surgery as scalpels or for targeted treatments.
nuclear stress test
A test where radioactive substance is injected to evaluate heart blood flow during rest and exercise.
database:
An organized collection of information.
electronic mail
:A method of exchanging digital messages between people using electronic devices over a network or the internet.
firewalls
Software or hardware that protects a network from unauthorized access.
magnetic resonance imaging
A body-scanning method that uses nuclear magnetic resonance (magnets) instead of radiation to produce cross-sectional images.
patient portals
Secure online websites that allow patients to access their personal health information and communicate with providers