Computers in the Workplace

Computers in the Workplace

    I've been working in the healthcare industry for the past 13 years. In that time, I've worked in different roles and departments, allowing me to see the wide range of uses computers are used for. Computers play an extremely vital role in healthcare as they maintain digital patient records, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, surgical history, and laboratory test results. This allows healthcare professionals to provide safe and efficient care. Computers also enable providers to do virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and exchange medical information. Computers also help manage medication orders, dispensing, and inventory control in pharmacies, which can ensure accurate dosing to minimize medication errors. Another really cool thing computers can do is medical education for simulations, virtual surgeries, and training modules. Most critically, computers are utilized to safeguard all the data from cybercriminals. 

    Depending on the role you play within the healthcare industry can determine the type of skill you need to have with computers. Some positions, such as housekeeping, food service, and maintenance, previously rarely used a computer. With technology evolving and impacting many industries, it will likely be a requirement for these roles to have basic computer knowledge with the willingness to learn how to use additional digital devices to allow them to do their job. 

    In 10 years, there will likely be a massive advancement in AI and machine learning, more wearable health technology, an increased use of VR and AR, and robotic process automation. Some of these things are already starting to make an impact in healthcare, but in 10 years, the use of these will likely be standard. As hardware improvements are made, all these technology-based improvements will work seamlessly and effortlessly.