Chapter 2: Impact of Electronic Information Technology on Non-Clinical Health Careers

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the concept of technology and the impact of new technologies on the labor market.
• Define automation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.
• Discuss how technology can enhance health education and provide an overview of common technologies, including simulation.
• Define virtual labs, mobile technologies and social medica and discuss how these technologies enhance clinical teaching.
• Identify occupational trends, training requirements, certifications, and employment trends and outlook for health services managers, health information technologists and medical registrars.

When we hear “technology,” we often imagine gadgets or devices from a science fiction movie or something that is powered by electricity. But technology is more than just that. It’s about applying what we know from science to make things work for us, whether it’s in industries or our everyday lives. So, in essence, every time we use our scientific knowledge to solve a problem or make life easier, we’re using technology. It can range from simple tools like the wheel to machines like computers and smartphones. Technology spans a wide spectrum, from the basics to the cutting edge.

Understanding Electronic Technology

Electronic technology, or simply electronics, is a type of technology that uses electric circuits to work. These circuits can be simple or complicated, but they all need electricity to function. Things like computers and appliances that you plug into the wall are examples of electronic technology. So, if it runs on electricity, it’s likely electronic.

The Impact of Advances in Technology over the Practice of Health Care

Advances in technology over the past few decades have profoundly impacted all aspects of life in North America, particularly in the fields of health care and education for health care professionals. The introduction of email revolutionized communication, enabling the rapid sharing of patient care information and educational materials, a significant improvement over traditional snail mail. Initially met with resistance, email became more widely adopted with the advent of web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome, which enhanced its functionality.

With the development of browsers and file-sharing capabilities, electronic communication of lab results and pharmacy prescriptions became standard practice within hospitals and extended to clinics and private homes. This evolution in technology has gone beyond simple information sharing to include the transmission of physiological data, such as blood pressure and cardiac rhythms, to health care providers through Wearables. Despite these advances, integrating hospital systems with external systems required substantial time and investment. Today, with the ubiquity of the internet and the advent of smartphones, health care practitioners, students, and educators have seamless, paper-free access to essential information wherever they go, significantly enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.

Discussion Questions

• How has the use of email and web browsers improved the way health care professionals share information and communicate?
• What are some benefits and challenges of using Wearables and the internet for sharing patient health data?

Health Care Professionals and Competency Requirements

Health care professionals need to be proficient in using technology in their workplace to effectively manage patient or client information while understanding the ethical and legal implications associated with it. Entry-level competencies in most health professions outline the expectations for new practitioners. For instance, community health pharmacists are required to be competent in using the Electronic Health Record and the Computerized Pharmacy Management System. These competencies ensure that professionals are prepared to meet the technological demands of their roles.

Before starting a nursing program, students are expected to be adept at using various technologies, including personal computers, tablets, mobile devices, and peripheral devices like USB drives and printers. They should be familiar with email, multimedia tools such as videos and podcasts, word processing applications, operating systems like Microsoft Windows, and social media. Additionally, they should be able to utilize technology that supports self-directed learning. Simulation technology is commonly used in educational programs, offering a safe environment for students to practice their skills and adopt professional values.

Discussion Questions

• How does simulation technology, as shown in the picture with students using a laptop while others observe, benefit health care education, and help students practice their skills?

“Photo” by Max Fischer, Pexels is in the Public Domain, CC0

• How does using simulation tools like microscopes and anatomical models in a lab setting enhance students’ understanding of anatomy and physiology in health care education? How can this hands-on experience be linked to electronic health record (EHR) systems to better prepare students for real-world clinical documentation and patient data management?

“Photo” by MART PRODUCTION, Pexels is in the Public Domain, CC0

Transforming Healthcare Education through Simulated EHR Learning Platforms

Simulation in healthcare education, particularly through platforms like EHR Go, revolutionizes the learning experience by offering a secure space for students to hone their skills and embrace professional values. EHR Go’s simulated environment allows for dynamic learning scenarios, where students can interact with patient cases, such as modifying data and adding images, to simulate real-world scenarios. Utilizing features like Group Work, instructors can assign collaborative care tasks, fostering teamwork and communication among students. Pre-SIM preparation involves customizing patient charts for strategic planning, while intra-SIM enables real-time data updates and collaborative documentation during patient care. Post-SIM, the collective EHR serves as a valuable tool for debriefing sessions, facilitating reflection and learning. Moreover, integrating interactive cases in EHR Go broadens learning horizons, enabling students to practice comprehensive health assessments, patient interviews, and documentation, thus enhancing their clinical proficiency within a controlled virtual environment. This approach emphasizes the utilization of simulated EHR platforms like EHR Go as pivotal components of healthcare simulation education, offering a complementary avenue to traditional on-campus or clinical-based simulations.

Discussion Questions

• How do you think simulated EHR platforms like EHR Go enhance the learning experience for healthcare students compared to traditional methods?
• Can you share any personal experiences or insights on how utilizing simulated EHRs has helped you better understand patient care practices and documentation in healthcare?

Exploring the Economic Framework in the Use of New Technologies

Understanding how new technologies impact our economy is crucial. Imagine our economy as a big machine where workers and tools (capital) are the main parts. Now, technology comes into play as the magic ingredient making these parts work better together. When technology improves how workers do their jobs, they become more efficient, like getting a power-up in a video game. This boost in efficiency means workers can produce more work in less time, which usually leads to better wages and more money to spend. So, by looking at how technology affects the economy, we can see how it helps make things better for everyone. Defining new technologies such as automation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence is essential to understanding their impact on various sectors.

Defining new technologies:

Automation

Automation, as defined by Acemoglu and Restrepo (2019), involves the development and adoption of new technologies that enable capital to substitute for labor across various tasks. This means that instead of humans performing certain job functions, machines or technology take over, adding value in the production process. Let’s take an example of a vending machine; it efficiently handles tasks like processing payments and dispensing products, tasks traditionally done by humans. However, it’s essential to recognize that automation doesn’t cover every aspect of production. While the vending machine handles certain steps, it doesn’t handle activities like growing ingredients, product design, transportation, installation, maintenance, or security, all of which are crucial in delivering a product to the customer. Thus, automation focuses on specific tasks within the value chain, showcasing how technology can augment human labor in certain aspects of production.

Digital Technology

Digital technology, as defined by Goldfarb and Tucker (2019), involves converting information into a format understandable by computer software, enabling its transmission via the internet. This transformation has catalyzed numerous technological advancements, particularly in the realm of digitization, including improvements in internet accessibility and speed, wireless communication, processing capabilities, and data storage efficiency. Consequently, these advancements have encouraged the adoption of automation across various sectors. Tasks once exclusively performed by humans, such as order processing, transportation coordination, and reservation management, are now routinely executed by software systems due to digitization’s influence. Goldfarb and Tucker’s research highlights the economic benefits of digital technologies, identifying five key activities that experience cost reductions: searching for specialized labor or products, replication, and reproduction, acquiring or sharing goods and information, tracking individual preferences, and verifying product/service quality. These activities highlight the pivotal role of digital technologies in facilitating the transmission of information and reshaping economic processes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The concept of “artificial intelligence,” often abbreviated as AI, lacks a universally agreed-upon definition in both economics and computer science literature. Broadly speaking, AI refers to the automation of cognitive tasks within the production chain, distinct from tasks solely involving physical object manipulation. As AI extends automation into cognitive realms, questions arise regarding the feasibility of automating tasks previously deemed non-automatable. Let’s take an example of Siri, the advanced voice-recognition software acquired by Apple. Agrawal and colleagues’ examination of the economic literature on AI highlights the importance of machine learning as a pivotal advancement in AI, primarily centered around prediction capabilities. However, their findings suggest that the economic ramifications of machine learning on labor are multifaceted, complex, and currently not fully understood.

Discussion Questions

• How does understanding the impact of new technologies, like automation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, on the economy help us envision a better future for everyone in terms of job opportunities and economic growth?
• Can you provide examples of how automation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence have changed the way businesses operate and how they affect workers’ roles within those businesses?
• Considering the advancements in automation and artificial intelligence, what are some potential challenges and opportunities these technologies present for the labor market, and how might policymakers address these issues to ensure fair and inclusive economic growth?

Navigating the Impact of New Technologies on Income Distribution

The impact of new technologies on the labor share of income is a topic of growing interest, prompting researchers to examine available evidence. Automation, defined as capital substituting for labor in various tasks, has the potential to reshape income distribution between labor and capital across the economy. Autor and Salomons (2018) investigate whether automation primarily displaces labor or affects the labor share of income. Using industry-level data from developed countries, they analyze the effects of total factor productivity growth, the adoption of new technologies, on employment and the labor share of income. Their findings reveal a nuanced relationship; while productivity growth leads to a direct decrease in employment within industries experiencing such growth, it also triggers an indirect increase in other sectors. They also observe a concurrent reduction in the labor share of income in industries undergoing productivity growth, highlighting the complex interplay between technological advancement and income distribution.

Discussion Questions

• How do you think the adoption of new technologies, such as automation, impacts different industries and the distribution of income between labor and capital? Can you provide examples of industries where automation has led to job displacement and others where it has created new opportunities?
• Considering the findings of Autor and Salomons’ research on the relationship between automation and the labor share of income, what do you think are some potential implications for policymakers and businesses? How might they address the challenges posed by technological advancements to ensure fair and equitable income distribution in the economy?

Navigating Job Opportunities in Health Information Technology and Medical Registration

With a focus on the US Department of Labor Statistics’ occupational outlook, we gain insight into the roles and job outlook for health information technologists and medical registrars. These professionals play crucial roles in advising organizations on computerized healthcare systems and analyzing clinical data. Educational requirements vary, with some positions necessitating an associate’s degree, while others may require a bachelor’s or higher degree, with certificates often preferred or required. For students pursuing a Health Care Practice Management (HCPM) degree and undertaking courses like the EHR-oriented 4101 course, these qualifications may align well with job opportunities in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for information technologists and medical registrars shows promising prospects, with an anticipated 3,400 new jobs annually and a projected growth rate of 17% by 2031, indicating a significantly faster-than-average expansion in employment opportunities.

Exploring Opportunities in Medical and Health Services Management

Medical and health services managers play a pivotal role in healthcare organizations, overseeing and coordinating various business activities. With responsibilities ranging from planning to directing and coordinating, these managers ensure the smooth operation of healthcare providers. Educational requirements typically include at least a bachelor’s degree, highlighting the importance of formal education in this field. In terms of job prospects, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a promising picture, projecting strong growth with an expected addition of 56,600 new jobs annually, leading to a 28% expansion by 2031, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. For those seeking more insights into the role of medical and health services managers, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a brief YouTube video on the topic through CareerOneStop, providing a comprehensive overview of job responsibilities and requirements (Video 1).

“Video 1: Medical and Health Services Managers” by CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration is in the Public Domain, CC0

Career Pathways and Credentials in Medical and Health Services Management

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, the majority of medical and health services managers typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree before entering the field. Many employers also seek candidates with prior work experience, either in administrative or clinical roles within healthcare facilities. For instance, nursing home administrators often have years of experience as registered nurses. However, individuals without clinical experience can still enter the field by starting in positions such as medical records and health information technicians, administrative assistants, or financial clerks within healthcare offices. While licensure is generally not required except for nursing home administrators, all states mandate licensure for this role, with requirements varying by state. Additionally, certification, though not mandatory, is an option pursued by some managers to enhance their credentials and expertise. Various certification programs are available, covering different areas of practice, such as medical management, health information management, and nursing home administration. Interested individuals can explore certification options through organizations like the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management, the American Health Information Management Association, and the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Essential Skills in Medical and Health Services Management

Preparation for a career in medical and health services management entails honing a range of essential skills. Analytical skills are crucial as managers need to comprehend and adhere to current regulations while adapting to evolving laws. Effective communication skills are vital for conveying policies and procedures to healthcare professionals and ensuring staff compliance with regulations. Attention to detail is paramount, especially when organizing and maintaining scheduling and billing information in large facilities like hospitals. Additionally, managers must engage in discussions with various professionals, such as physicians and health insurance representatives, regarding staffing and patient information. They also need to possess problem-solving abilities to address staffing or administrative challenges creatively. Furthermore, staying abreast of healthcare technology and data analytics advances is essential, as managers may need to utilize coding and classification software and EHR systems as their facility adopts these technologies.

Exploring Opportunities in Medical Records Specialist Careers

Medical records specialists play a vital role in the healthcare system, responsible for compiling, processing, and maintaining patient files. While the educational requirements for this occupation vary, most medical records specialists typically obtain a postsecondary certificate, although some enter the field with a high school diploma, while others pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Certification may also be required or preferred by employers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical records specialists is promising, with an anticipated addition of 14,900 new jobs annually, resulting in a 7% growth rate by 2031, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations. For those seeking further insights into this profession, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a brief YouTube video on medical records specialists via CareerOneStop, providing valuable information about the role and its requirements (Video 2).

“Video 2: Medical Records Specialists” by CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration is in the Public Domain, CC0

Exploring Certification Pathways in Non-Clinical Health Careers

Exploring non-clinical health careers that require certifications opens doors to diverse opportunities, with one prominent role being that of a medical office manager. Medical office managers undertake a myriad of responsibilities, ranging from overseeing patient records and managing payrolls to handling billings, office budgets, and the recruitment and training of administrative personnel. In addition to these tasks, they may be assigned with supervising front office staff, updating office procedures, and ensuring compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This multifaceted role may involve overseeing an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or managing a medical practice for a group of physicians. To obtain certification as a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), individuals can pursue the exam offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), providing a pathway to further professional development and recognition in the field. For detailed information about certification requirements, interested individuals can refer to the AAPC website.

In conclusion, a Bachelor of Science in HealthCare Policy and Management (BS HCPM) degree prepares individuals with a diverse skill set to thrive in the non-clinical job market within the healthcare industry. With foundational knowledge in healthcare dynamics, proficiency in electronic health information terminology, and essential occupational principles and skills, graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings. Beyond entry-level roles, opportunities abound for individuals with a BS HCPM degree, ranging from positions as medical coding specialists to medical office managers and beyond. This degree serves as a gateway to a multitude of rewarding career paths where professionals can contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector while advancing their own personal and professional growth. As individuals embark on their journey with a BS HCPM degree, they open doors to a world of possibilities, where their expertise and dedication can make a tangible difference in shaping the future of healthcare policy and management. Table 1 shows a few more non-clinical health careers suitable for those with a BS HCPM degree, further illustrating the breadth of opportunities available in this dynamic field.

“Table 1: Non-Clinical Health Careers for those with the BS HCPM Degree ” by Sitaji Gurung is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Non-Clinical Careers	Health Care Pathway	Places You May Work
Medical Coding Specialist	Health Informatics/Business	Hospital, Community Health Clinic, Long-Term Care Facility
Community Health Worker	Direct Patient Care	Hospital, Community Health Clinic, Non-Profit Organization
Home Health Care Administrator	Direct Patient Care	Private or Government Organization
COVID and Vaccine Center Support Staff	Health Informatics/Business	Hospital, Government Agency, School
Medical Office Manager	Health Informatics/Business	Hospital, Nursing Home, Urgent Care Center, Rehabilitation Center
Healthcare Human Resources Manager	Health Informatics/Business	Hospital, Outpatient Clinic, Urgent Care Center, School
Care Coordinator	Direct Patient Care	Hospital, Community Health Clinic, Non-Profit Organization
Research Coordinator	Research and Development	Government Agency, Hospital, Non-Profit Organization, Research Institution, Research Laboratory

Key Terms

Technology: The application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and improve efficiency, ranging from basic tools to advanced devices and systems.

Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans, often involving the substitution of labor with machines or digital processes.

Digital Technology: The conversion of information into a format understandable by computer software, enabling its transmission via the internet and facilitating advancements in various fields.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The automation of cognitive tasks within the production chain, distinct from tasks involving physical object manipulation, often achieved through machine learning and advanced algorithms.

Simulation Technology: The use of computer-based models to replicate real-world scenarios, providing a safe and controlled environment for training and education.

Virtual Labs: Digital platforms that simulate laboratory experiments and environments, allowing users to conduct experiments and learn scientific principles without physical equipment.

Mobile Technologies: Portable electronic devices and applications that enable access to information and services from anywhere with internet connectivity.

Social Media: Online platforms and applications that facilitate social interaction, networking, and content sharing among users.

Occupational Trends: Patterns and shifts in job roles, employment sectors, and skill requirements within a specific industry or profession.

Training Requirements: Educational qualifications, certifications, and skill sets needed to perform specific job roles effectively.

Certifications: Formal credentials awarded to individuals who meet specified standards of knowledge, skills, and competency in a particular field or profession.

Employment Outlook: The projected demand for workers in specific occupations, often influenced by factors such as technological advancements, economic conditions, and demographic changes.

Exercises

Exercise 1: True or False

Instructions: Read the statements below and indicate whether they are True or False.

Email revolutionized communication in healthcare.

Automation covers every aspect of production within the value chain.

Medical records specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree.

Simulation technology is rarely used in healthcare education.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Complete the sentences below with the correct terms.

___________ involves converting information into a format understandable by computer software.

Health information technologists play crucial roles in advising organizations on ___________.

Medical office managers oversee various business activities in healthcare organizations, ranging from ___________ to ___________.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is the primary benefit of simulation technology in healthcare education?

A. Real-world experience

B. Cost savings

C. Reduced student engagement

D. Limited skill development

2. Which certification can individuals pursue to become a Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)?

A. American Medical Association (AMA)

B. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

C. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

D. Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)

Exercise 4: Short Answer

Instructions: Provide a short answer to the following questions.

1. How do new technologies like artificial intelligence impact the job market for healthcare professionals?

2. What are some key competencies expected of health care professionals in terms of using technology effectively in the workplace?

Exercise 5: Scenario Analysis

Instructions: Read the scenario and answer the questions that follow.

Imagine you are a healthcare manager tasked with implementing a new EHR system in your organization. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of this implementation, considering factors such as staff training, data migration, and patient privacy concerns. Additionally, propose strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth transition to the new system while maintaining high-quality patient care.

References

Melrose, S., Park, C., & Perry, B. (2015). Creative Clinical Teaching in the Health Professions. Open Textbook Library. (Chapter 5: Technology Enhanced Clinical Education).

Gallup. (2020). Assessing the Impact of New Technologies on the Labor Market: Key Constructs, Gaps, and Data Collection Strategies for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Chapter 2.1: Framing the Economic Effects of Technology, Chapter 2.2: Defining New Technologies, Chapter 2.4.4: How New Technologies are Affecting the Labor Share of Income).

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Medical and Health Services Managers.

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