Smartphone Usage in Healthcare Work - Research Paper Example

We Can But Dare We? Assignment Introduction The advancements made in the world of communication technologies have changed the way people communicate and share information. Mobile devices and social media are two examples of such technologies that are gaining popularity worldwide. In the healthcare sector, the use of Smartphones and social media is on the rise. For example, as of 2009, approximately 64% of physicians in the United States used Smartphones (Gill, et al, 2012). Although the use of these technologies in the healthcare setting presents a number of benefits, there are challenges associated with these technologies. Privacy, security, ethical and legal challenges associated with the use of Smartphones and social media in the healthcare industry are significant. Based on the scenario presented, this paper examines some of the key benefits and costs of using Smartphones and social media by healthcare professionals. Based on the above scenario, it is likely that the nurse and the entire hospital faced legal action resulting from the leaked photo of the patient. This is because the HIPAA standards were violated. Benefits of Smartphones and social media use in healthcare There are many applications on Smartphones that can be used by both patients and clinicians to improve the services offered. First, patient health records can be stored electronically, allowing for easy access using Smartphones. Such records allow clinicians to track the health performance of patients, and at the same time allow for easy sharing of such information. Just as illustrated in the present case, electronic records can easily be shared through social media. This may allow healthcare providers to share information relating to patients in order to enhance the service of care provided. Secondly, social media and Smartphones are an important source of information for healthcare providers. With the large volumes of information on the internet, having a smartphone allows a physician to access different forms of information that help to enhance his/her knowledge in a given field. For example, physicians are able to conduct researches online, thereby making the process of acquiring knowledge easy, fast and cost effective (Soyer, 2012). Social media allows physicians to share knowledge on a given subject. Through social media, online communities of healthcare professionals can be created, and these act as rich sources of information and knowledge. Thirdly, Smartphones have been used in the healthcare sector as reference tools. Considering that the provision of care is an information intensive activity, physicians use these devices to look for information in order to make the relevant decisions at the point of care (Sarasohn-Kahn, 2010). For example, the Epocrates is one example of an online company that provides such information to physicians (Sarasohn-Kahn, 2010). This company offers information on mobile devices with operating systems such as Palm, Android and Win Mobile. Finally, technology has allowed for the development of diagnostic applications that can be used on Smartphones. For example, the IDdx application helps in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (Sarasohn-Kahn, 2010). Therefore, through such applications, doctors and care providers can learn more about the conditions of their patients, thereby providing the relevant care to these patients. With social media, such information can be shared by many physicians within and outside the given care setting. Challenges of using social media and Smartphones in healthcare The present case illustrates some of the challenges associated with the use of the social media and Smartphones among physicians. First, there are privacy and security challenges associated with the use of these technologies in the healthcare sector. Specifically, the ability to store patients’ records electronically makes it easy for such information to be leaked to unauthorized parties without the consent of the patient (Soyer, 2012). As illustrated in the case, the nurse sent pictures of the patient to a friend through social media without the knowledge of the patient. When this happens, physician may be sued, and this might affect the entire hospital as well. Furthermore, the security of such electronic information is at risk since it becomes easy for one to manipulate or steal such records electronically. Secondly, as the nurses and physicians use social media and Smartphones, they are likely to violate the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (KPMG International (2011). According to this act, no information relating to a patient’s health should be disclosed without their prior knowledge. With social media, and as indicated in the case above, it is very easy for such information to be released without the consent of the patient. This may cause the nurse/physician or the entire hospital facing legal action when such violations are made. Finally, there are ethical concerns associated with the use of social media and Smartphones. With social media, physicians are likely to experience pressure to compromise the ethical standards either for their personal gain or for the benefit of third parties (KPMG International (2011). For example, a nurse may disclose sensitive information about a patient in exchange for money or other forms of rewards. When this happens, the patient’s privacy and confidentiality are violated. This is particularly the case considering that it may be sometimes difficult to trace a particular online post to a given physician since some of the identities used online are different. Conclusion and recommendations Based on the case, it is likely that legal action would be taken against the hospital and the nurse on duty due to HIPAA violation. The above discussion highlights how social media and Smartphones may be used to violate legal, ethical and privacy standards. From the scenario, it is clear that not only did the nurse violate the patient’s privacy and confidentiality but also breached ethical and legal boundaries. By sending the photo to a trusted friend does not guarantee that it will not be leaked. Furthermore, having misplaced the phone simply meant that anyone could gain access and send the photos to whoever they wish. In the end, it is likely that not only did the nurse face legal action but it is likely that the entire hospital was fined for this violation. As noted in the report by KPMG International (2011), legal and labiality concerns are the most critical concerns when it comes to the use of social media and mobile devices. The scenario above highlights the importance of having proper guidelines on the use of social media and Smartphones in the healthcare industry. In order to effectively use social media, Smartphones and other mobile devices in the healthcare setting, it is important that professional bodies update their ethical guidelines to cover aspects relating to these new forms of media. There is also need to undertake extensive training of staff on how to effectively use these devices. In addition, the existing policies need to be reviewed regularly in order to meet the changing legal and ethical requirements. Overall, effective use of social media and Smartphones can help improve the services offered by healthcare providers. References Gill, P. S., Kamath, A, & Gill, T. S (2012). Distraction: an assessment of Smartphone usage in health care work settings. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 5, pp. 105-114. KPMG International (2011). Increasing Importance of Social Media in Healthcare. Issues Monitor, 8, pp. 1-20. Sarasohn-Kahn, J (2010). How Smartphones Are Changing Health Care for Consumers and Providers. Report for California Healthcare Foundation, pp. 1-19. Soyer, A (2012).Health 2.0: How Social Media Are Changing Healthcare. In A Soyer (Ed.), Social Media in Healthcare: A Primer for Orthopaedic Surgeons. Pp. 9-12 Read More