Journal2APUS

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American Public University *

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500

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Health Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by toes2thnose44

When I think about advancement in technology and healthcare I think: Patient Empowerment. The United States has one of the most complex and complicated healthcare systems in the world. Health Insurance companies have had more control over patient’s level of care or denial of care than doctors and other healthcare providers. With the Affordable Care Act some of that control did change although there are many more things, we need to do to provide affordable healthcare for everyone. I have worked in healthcare all for over 25 years and have known that the internet did provide me with the resources to find some of my healthcare needs. The average citizen likely did not know these things. Once the Affordable Care Act was in place people were directed to search online for the most suitable insurance needs for themselves and their families. This, in my opinion was the beginning of Patient Empowerment. Choosing a healthcare plan can be daunting and overwhelming. With the use of the internet searching was made easier. Having choices based on your needs and affordability while still may be stressful, having the choice or “say so” is empowering. Technology has advanced how we search for our healthcare. All- inclusive healthcare applications are now available anywhere 24/7. WebMd is one of the most reputable application/websites that comes to mind. WebMd has a broad selection of search topics to help a patient find just about anything they need. A person can search for a physician, a hospital or clinic based on their personal needs. Much like searching for car insurance, applications like WebMD help a person navigate what they feel is best for them. WebMD Drugs and Medications is another offer to persons searching for information regarding their medications or medications they may potentially be prescribed. The use of applications like WebMD provides something to a person that that phone call to an insurance company or Dr office they are not familiar with, privacy. Mental Health issues come to mind when I think of patient privacy when looking for healthcare. Web based technology truly gives a person privacy

while they look for mental health care for themselves or a family member. Mental health is already hard for many to talk about. Seeking help is often the biggest step. With web based sites such as WebMD and Betterhelp.com anyone can search for a provider they feel they will be comfortable talking with. Keeping with mental health, the advancement of telehealth appointments that can often be found and made through websites such as WebMD or Betterhelp.com patients are more encouraged to keep those in-home video conference appointments. Telehealth brings the Dr to the patient. Telemedicine technology means no driving to an office, potentially paying for parking, most of all no sitting in a waiting room. I can say having a few of my Dr appointments via telehealth during Covid was extremely helpful for me. I didn’t have to expose myself or my children to potential Covid patients. Speaking with my Dr in my office was fantastic! One more thing I would like to say that is patient empowering: Apple. Apple released the Health App in 2014 and the Apple Watch in 2015. Apple has introduced a wide array if health and fitness features to help a person have more awareness of their health and fitness goals. “ With the release of iOS 16 and watchOS 9 this fall, Apple Watch and iPhone will offer features that focus on 17 areas of health and fitness, from heart health and sleep to mobility and women’s health, and more. Over the years, customers of all ages have shared how these health and fitness features have, in their own words, changed their lives. Several share their stories in the report, including customers who have discovered serious heart conditions, received emergency assistance after a fall, or dramatically improved their health through daily activity.”( (Apple Newsroom, 2022).

I can say without a doubt, my Apple Watch has kept me more aware of my health and fitness. My Apple Iphone and Apple watch monitor my sleep and stress levels. As patient’s healthcare needs evolve, so will the technology that provides the access to our healthcare needs. References How Apple is empowering people with their health information . Apple Newsroom. (2023, October 10). https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/07/how-apple-is-empowering- people-with-their-health-information/ BetterHelp. (n.d.). Best online therapy services, therapists pricing & reviews in 2023 . https://www.betterhelp.com/online-therapy/ WebMD. (n.d.). Better Information. Better Health. WebMD. https://member.webmd.com/signin

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