Technology Is Changing The Future Of L.A. Health Care
"Evolving technology will change the future of health care by 2020 in that there is not one single system used in the acute care setting that does not, in some way, touch on an electronic or computer-based system," said Paulette Heitmeyer, a registered nurse and chief nursing officer at Marina Del Rey Hospital. "There are needs in informatics, data abstraction and data analysis, and a drive to fill these expanding health care roles."
By 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 227,000 new, blue-stocking health information specialists will have already secured employment, marking a 24 percent spike in the number of professionals handling health records in 2012.
It is technology that is pillowing the enlarging need for digital-ready information management experts and reshaping the highly organized paradigm of the medical industry.
"Medical facilities are spending millions to implement electronic systems to improve communication and delivery of care," Heitmeyer said. "Within the next five years, data sharing will improve, based on technological advancements and the utilization of electronic medical records in all health care settings. So, tech-savvy health care providers are in demand and health care institutions are aggressively recruiting them."
How does one fortify a profession in this tech-compelled field?
"The best way to prepare for a sustainable career is to learn to use a computer and be able to navigate easily through systems. Clinical competence is necessary, of course, even if you are planning on a straight information technology position."
How beneficial is this fast-evolving post?
"The position is rewarding because you are not only working in information technology, but striving to improve health care and saving lives along the way by improving systems and helping to decrease human error."
What is your message to endeavoring health information specialists?
"We are looking for those who are not only tech-savvy, but have an understanding of the health care delivery system. To get your foot in the door, volunteer at a hospital in its information technology department to get a better understanding of the job. Also, get to know your nurses because you will be working with them closely."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
