Topic 6 (c) Uses of ICT in healthcare Flashcards
Describe Electronic Patient Record
They are a part of a database which is made out of medical and general information
What does EPR contain? (10)
Name of patient NHS number D.O.B Allergies Religion Blood type Ethnicity Next of kin Gender Contact details
Advantages of EPR (3)
Saves physical space
More accessible
Secure
Disadvantages of EPR (3)
Can’t be used without electricity
Risk of data loss
Expensive set-up
Advantages of blood tracking systems (3)
Eliminates the need to keep paper records
Cross matching information electronically eliminates the risk of patients given the wrong blood
Can track a patient/donor if given bad blood
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Image
Used magnetic and radio waves to build up a detailed picture of the tissues of the patient
CAT
Computerised Axial Tomography
Sends out several X-ray beams at different angles to the body.
Produces 3D images of patient’s internal organs
Advantages of scanning (4)
Reduces unnecessary operations
Higher cure rate
Helps surgeons plan operations
Allows accurate diagnosis without the need for surgery
Disadvantages of scanning (4)
Can break down easily
Can be dangerous for staff exposed to radiation.
Computer scanning is very expensive
With MRI needs to keep still for long periods of time
What is the purpose of scanning patients?
To find things that you wouldn’t be able to see visually.
2 types of sensors and what they measure
Analogue - quantities that have infinite set of values e.g. temperature, blood pressure and pulse
Digital - set values
Advantages if using sensors (3)
Measurements are never missed as they are taken automatically
Frees up medical staff
More accurate readings
What is an expert system
An ICT program that emulates the decision-making ability of a human specialist.
Knowledge base
A huge organised set of knowledge about a particular subject.
Inference engine
A set of rules on which to base decisions.
User Interface
The method by which the expert system interacts with the user
Advantages of Expert Systems (4)
Never retires
Cheaper than training human expert
Large pool of knowledge compared to human expert
Available 24/7
Disadvantages of expert systems (4)
Cost to buy and set up the system
Can make absurd mistakes if the data inputted is wrong
Can be set up wrong
People don’t like talking to a computer
Content of barcode (3)
Blood type
Expiration date
Product code
How to keep privacy of patients records (4)
Different access levels
Encryption
Password
Audit trails to see who accessed the database
Sensors used in a hospital?
Brainwave pattern Heart rate Blood sugar Hormone level Vitamin level
ICT that helps to control situation is a hospital
Life support systems Automatic doors Giving babies wristbands with sensors Fire alarm Robotic floor cleaning
Developments of the use of ICT in medicine
WHO Popular Power Project Expert systems Scanners Sensors Bionics for replacement limbs
Blood bar coding
Allows the tracking of blood from its donation to its use
