The Impact of Innovative Technologies on the Healthcare Landscape

How Shared Decision-Making and Critical Thinking are Impacted by Technology

Today, innovations in healthcare technology have revolutionized the manner in which clinicians of all ilk practice, and current trends indicate that the pace of these innovations will continue to accelerate well into the foreseeable future. To determine the effects of these trends, the purpose of this paper is to describe the various ways that technology plays a vital role in healthcare. To this end, the paper presents a discussion concerning how shared decision-making and critical thinking are impacted by technology, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

Review and Discussion

Technology plays an invaluable role across nearly every facet of modern healthcare, dramatically reshaping how care is delivered, decisions are made, and health outcomes are influenced (Bond, 2023). For example, the introduction of electronic health records over the past decade has created vastly improved data storage, integration, and analysis capabilities. With patient histories, test results, imaging studies, medication lists, and doctors' notes all consolidated into interconnected platforms, care teams can collaborate much more seamlessly around the clock (Chistie et al., 2023). These technologies in particular contribute to better-informed treatment plans that take into account more variables that facilitate the decision-making process. In addition, advanced analytics applied to large datasets also empowers predictive, preventative, and personalized care aligned to patients’ individual risk factors (Do et al., 2022).

Likewise, wearable sensors, at-home testing kits (these have become commonplace after the Covid-19 pandemic), and remote patient monitoring similarly enable care outside conventional hospital and clinical settings. In the process, patients gain more autonomy in tracking vitals, managing chronic illnesses, and connecting virtually with their healthcare providers. The sheer volume of real-time data these devices provide gives patients and doctors far greater insights to make shared decisions grounded in objective evidence versus subjective recollections from checkups. Patients can observe trends and participate as partners in their care journey rather than mere passive recipients. In this regard, Jones et al. (2019) emphasize that, “Key elements of shared decision making (e.g., defining the problem, presenting options, eliciting treatment preferences) can be efficiently integrated into the clinical workflow using web-based tools that improve patient satisfaction, quality of care, and productivity” (p. 123).

In addition, telehealth and smartphone apps further extend convenient, customized care by facilitating on-demand consultations, virtual assistants, medication adherence tracking, appointment bookings and reminders, lab workflow coordination, and post-discharge follow-ups and more (Crico et al., 2018). Automating administrative tasks and communication this way allows more time for meaningful patient-provider interactions and thoughtful shared decision-making regarding treatments or lifestyle changes (Crico et al., 2018). Just as importantly, technology-assisted healthcare also empowers underserved groups to access care. In this regard, Weintraub et al. (2023) emphasize that, “[Clinicians] can make better, more equitable decisions when they can clearly see and understand the problems. Being presented with potential solutions based on evidence further supports their decision-making and can aid in supporting health equity” (p. 363).

It is important to note, though, that shared decision-making relies on patients being well-informed about their condition, prognosis, and treatment options so that they can thoughtfully participate in choosing a plan aligned with their goals and values. Health technologies that improve disease education, risk communication, and data accessibility empower patients to engage as informed partners with providers in these decisions rather than passively deferring. Patient portals, virtual assistants and waiting room tablets can all provide personalized, interactive explanations and expectations regarding therapies that encourage questions and reflection. Conversely, clinicians benefit from decision support embedded in electronic records and order sets that provide relevant research at the point-of-care (Jones et al., 2019).

Finally, when writing a prescription, automated notifications remind doctors to discuss side effects and lower cost options. Similarly, AI highlights potential drug interactions within complex medication lists. Rather than relying upon memory alone, physicians can thoughtfully reference each patient’s co-morbidities, genetic testing, allergies, previous outcomes and insurance coverage when performing cost-benefits analyses and aligning treatment protocols with therapeutic plans (Gunderson et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Technology is transforming healthcare delivery and improving outcomes through better informed decision-making, predictive and preventative care, remote monitoring, and increased patient engagement. The research showed that while there are still no authentic “Star Trek tricorders available for noninvasive diagnoses and treatment, the scientific community is getting close. The research was consistent in showing that innovations in technology have fundamental changed the healthcare landscape in ways that facilitate shared decision making and patient-centered care. Electronic health records consolidate patient data into interconnected platforms that facilitate collaboration; advanced analytics enable personalized care plans; wearables and at-home testing kits track vitals and empower patient self-management; while telehealth provides convenient access and virtual assistance. These technologies automate tasks so providers can focus on thoughtful shared decision-making with patients as informed partners. They also expand access to underserved groups. Finally, the research was absolutely consistent in emphasizing the need for patients to receive quality education and risk communication to actively participate in the decision-making process..

References

Bond, K. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities for Deliberative Processes for Healthcare Decision-Making: Comment on “Evidence-Informed Deliberative Processes for Health Benefit Package Design - Part II: A Practical Guide.” International Journal of Health Policy & Management, 12(1), 1–4.

Brognara, L., Sempere-Bigorra, M., Mazzotti, A., Artioli, E., Julián-Rochina, I., & Cauli, O. (2023). Wearable sensors-based postural analysis and fall risk assessment among patients with diabetic foot neuropathy. Journal of Tissue Viability, 32(4), 516–526.