Information Technology and Health Promotion - Essay Example

Information Technology and Health Promotion Information Technology and Health Promotion The evolution of technology has, in the past, aided in the growth and transformation of different fields in the world. Health is just an example of one field where people have opted to use IT in educating and developing different attitudes towards their overall wellbeing. Health promotion represents the conciliation strategy between people and their environment, which advocates for responsibility and personal choice when it comes to the health and wellbeing of any and all individuals. This is attained through health education where the maintenance of society’s health status, quality of life, and adoption of health lifestyles are insisted upon through the different technological means present. IT has greatly impacted this evolution and it is through IT that the world has become aware of some of the things that might make society more efficient (Hubley & Copeman 2008, p. 89). This paper will examine the role of IT in health promotion, its application, and how to overcome some of its challenges in modern times. Examination of the Role of IT Four areas within health promotion are identified when it comes to the role of IT in the field of health. One of the main roles of IT is as an intervention medium. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a need to incorporate IT in reaching out to the masses. The evolution of technology has made it possible for people to connect regularly and communicate on everyday basis. As this has become easier, promoting a healthy lifestyle among various age groups, genders, and even cultural settings is possible. Making people aware that healthy living, the quality of life, and even society’s health status is crucial in the maintenance of both economic and social balance has made it possible to address certain ills, myths, and even truths about society’s status (Raingruber 2014, p. 67). Secondly, IT has been identified as an avenue for research focus. It is a research instrument that propels different wheels in the health field to come up with different mechanisms to combat different ailments and connect the people involved in the overall field of health. Its role is to act as a bridge between society and the people meant to improve the conditions that society might be exposed to at certain times (Edelman 2013, p. 53). Crucial assessments can be carried out and thus; improve on the quality of life that people require, and access the proper channels meant to improve their current status. It is also through IT that breakthroughs in the field have been attained. Through the creation, storage, and dissemination of crucial information, vital information can now be shared among different groups to ensure that society’s health, social and economic status is maintained. Lastly, from the above, it is clear that IT leads to professional development among all the major players involved. There is constant improvement in the medical field when and if there is constant flow of information from various experts. This flow of information allows individuals to access information that is worthwhile in trying to tackle some of the problems that the health field faces from time to time. There is also coordination between different factions that exist, which then improves relations, which are vital in the growth of society as a whole. IT systems allow for a quicker and better way for information sharing, especially in the health promotion field. Strategies and problems can be identified and addressed through different IT systems, which is one of the main reasons for the use of such systems (Thompson 2014, p. 72). Application of IT to Health Promotion Interventions Different interventions exist so that society is aware of the risks, problems, and even dangers that might come with certain lifestyle choices. As such, IT has aided in the learning curve that most people in society are exposed to from a particularly young age. Certain behaviours are often monitored and addressed through the digital age, where individuals become self-aware through programmes aimed at improving or discouraging both healthy and retrogressive tendencies (Fertman & Allensworth 2010, p. 83). Through IT, healthy behaviours for example; physical exercise, meditation, balanced nutrition, and even prayer are encouraged in order to maintain balance in society. Furthermore, unhealthy habits, for example; overindulgence in drinking, smoking, eating, and consumption of recreational drugs are discouraged. This application of IT in health promotion aids people in society to take precaution when it comes to certain aspects of their lives. In health promotion, all agencies involved can reach the masses with the help of IT, which is now capable of reaching a wider audience. This is through channels such as; mass media, video and/or audio messages, and websites. Improvements have been made to ensure that even professional assistance can be attained through various channels where at-risk individuals can find out about their health status, and seek help. Such improvements have seen countless people opt to change their lifestyle choices in a bid to live longer and healthier lives (Thorogood & Coombes 2010, p. 93). Overcoming challenges of IT in Health Promotion In trying to change the world with technology, there have to be advantages and disadvantages that come with this evolution. Some of the struggles include; failure for society to realise that IT is a means of connectivity and not an end in itself, lack of regular contact between at-risk individuals and health care providers, and use of information to diagnose society. The mentioned challenges emanate from the fact that individuals wish to learn from the IT systems that exist while neglecting to visit or seek professional aid. These systems should be redesigned to inform users that the information provided should not be used to self-medicate, and that professional help should be attained afterwards (Hawk & Evans 2013, p. 79). Furthermore, health education should primarily focus on creating more contact between the caregiver and the person at-risk, and not alienating the two parties. IT systems should be redesigned to work on creating this avenue for all those in need, and not pushing them away. A complete redesign should be capable of having patient information that might guide them in having the necessary knowledge to deal with their already diagnosed situations, and may guide them in managing it successfully. That being said, it is crucial for information systems to focus on relevant information provided and self-management, which is basically having a well-structured programme (Perez & Luquis 2008, p. 58). In conclusion, IT and its role in health promotion should not be overlooked. It plays a crucial role in educating society about the necessary way of life that might guide individuals to protect themselves, and ultimately, protecting their social and economic status. Cooperation between all existing factions in the health field is maintained, thus; leading to a culture of improvement in terms of medical knowledge and sharing. The end result of such cooperation is an informed public aware of the importance of healthy living and longevity among all the parties present (Gottwald & Goodman-Brown 2012, p. 103). References Corcoran, N 2013, Communicating health strategies for health promotion, Sage Publishers, London. Edelman, CL 2013, Health promotion throughout the life span, SAGE, London. Fertman, C & Allensworth, D 2010, Health promotion programs: from theory to practice, Bantam Books, London. Gottwald, M & Goodman-Brown, J 2012 A guide to practical health promotion, Open University Press, London. Hawk, C & Evans, W 2013, Health promotion and wellness: an evidence-based guide, Nelson Thornes Publishers, London. Hubley, J & Copeman, J 2008, Practical health promotion, Polity Press, London. Perez, MA & Luquis, RR 2008, Cultural competence in health education and health promotion, Oxford Publishers, Oxford. Raingruber, B 2014, Contemporary health promotion in nursing practice, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Thompson, SR 2014, The essential guide to public health and health promotion, Macmillan Publishers, London. Thorogood, M & Coombes, Y 2010, Evaluating health promotion: practice and methods, Columbus Dispatch, Columbus. Read More