Computers in the Workplace

 

Advancements in healthcare technology have helped to prolong and save the lives of many throughout our history. For example, paper and pencils have been largely replaced by digital information systems at clinics (Rivers et al., 2003, p. 1). Measurements of vital signs, including blood pressure and temperature, are taken electronically and stored electronically to review trends over time (Rivers et al., 2003, p. 1). Technology, and specifically computers, has created a vast amount of health information stored digitally. As a result, computers and their operators, including those supporting health care, are prime targets for cybersecurity attacks.

Given the sensitive and private nature of health information, it is vital that health care professionals are trained to protect it wherever it is stored. Computers that are connected to the network and the internet are even more vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. Lately, attackers have become much more creative, making it harder for individuals to identify a potential attack, such as a malicious email, also known as a phishing attack. Therefore, health care workers must be trained annually to remain computer literate and aware of attack vectors to avoid unintentionally exposing personal health information.

Computers in the next ten years will continue to evolve, becoming increasingly faster and more intuitive. With new advancements such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, the healthcare system will see much more benefits, such as discoveries of new ways to cure diseases.

References

Rivers, F. H., Blake, C. R., & Lindgren, K.S. (2003). Information technology: advancements in healthcare. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 7(3), 4p.