Emerging Technologies and Security

Cutting edge technology is constantly being developed in many fields of study and altering the way we live our lives. One particular new technology that has the possibility of changing health IT is the use of RFID (radio frequency identification). This wireless technology can track and locate objects using an electronic product code network. (Hoffman, 285) While the use of RFIDs is not new to the world it is an emerging technology in medical care of humans. RFID has the ability to inspect and detect counterfeit drugs. Also, this technology is capabale of keeping completely automated records that would save not only save time, but be able to track and identify supplies, patients, and health care staff. With the rising cost of health care at the forefront of medical related problems the development of new technologies could be a factor in resolving many problems. However, as with many things, there are negatives and a few kinks that would need to be worked out before applying RFID use. Many people know that you can not use cellular phones in hospitals. The reasoning behind the prohibited use is due to the elector-magnetic interference in life saving equipment. The same issues could occur with the use of RFID technologies. However, test have shown that newer medical equipment would be slightly effected, but in some cases older equipment could have higher levels of interference. (Hoffman, 287) Another way RFID technology could be used would be to actually implant a RFID device into a patient. This technology has already been approved by the FDA and would allow the name of a patient and their EMR to be displayed over a secure website. (Bria, 36) This emerging technology seems to be on pace to dramatically impact the way we deal with health care.

Security is a significant issue when dealing with technology and peoples personal information. In one book the author tries to relate to the reader that e-mail is not a secure way to communicate with a doctors office. For example, many people find e-mail to be a simpler way to communicate about important information, such as lab results. The problem with that is that unless you are using encryption technology your personal information could be read by others. (Dennis, 54) Using internet for basic information you would not mind others knowing should not be a problem. When dealing with the possibility of sensitive information internet users need to understand the level of security they are communicating through. In The Journal of the American Medical Association privacy is noted as an “issue [that] exist whether the medical record is paper or electronic.” (Hersh) The ability for personal information to be shared does not start with electronic medical records, but happens instead when personal information is shared. Hersh, in the same article, discusses the importance of instilling a demand for privacy in our culture. The world will never be perfect, but working to give confidence to users is an important step toward the advancement of information technology in health.

While many road blocks still exist for the advancement of HIT to be fully appreciated the use of technology in the modern world is not only inevitable, but also vital. Many studies have shown that without implementing and developing new technologies our health care system will continue to struggle. The hope is that by realizing the potential benefits of this new science health care will be of higher quality, more affordable, and more easily available for people access around the world.