Technology has been playing an influential role in redefining and
reshape the healthcare landscape. In the context of Health
Information Exchange, technology has simplified the dissemination of
information between diverse stakeholders in the healthcare setting.
As technology is undergoing dynamic change with the passage of
time, there is the further possibility that health informatics will
undergo further change due to technological advancement. The
adoption of new technology can further streamline the manner in
which patients, family members, physicians, and other healthcare
practitioners engage with one another and share confidential
information.
The evolution of communication and technology has the potential to
affect HIM professionals, as they need to adapt to the digitalized
landscape and develop new technical skills and capabilities. The
advancement in technology has facilitated HIM professionals to
manage patient information as well as healthcare data by leveraging
technology and becoming more efficient in delivering high-quality
healthcare solutions to the patients (Embracing the future: new
times, new opportunities for health information managers, 2021).
However, several barriers could arise in the future and restrict the
ability of HIM professionals to make the optimum use of technology
and communication in the healthcare setting. One of the major
barriers that could arise revolves around cybersecurity issues. It has
the potential to violate the fundamental rights of patients. Another
barrier to the growth of HIEs in the future is the limited skills and
capability of the professionals to adapt to the ever-evolving
technological setting. It could adversely impact their ability to
optimally use technology while delivering healthcare services to the
patients. The inability of the professionals to adjust to the new
technologies in the HIE setting could have a direct impact on diverse
aspects such as data standardization, integrity, and security. Security
concerns can affect the completeness and accuracy of healthcare
data. Thus, the adoption of technology in the HIE context gives rise
to both opportunities and barriers for HIM professionals.
References
Embracing the future: new times, new opportunities for health
information managers. (2021). Retrieved December 16, 2021, from
https://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=58258#:~:text=Technological
%20advancements%20used%20by%20HIM,information%20to
%20patients%20and%20supportive
