Throughout history, technological advances have appeared for one purpose before finding applications elsewhere, resulting in spikes in their usage and development. The internet, for example, was created to share research before becoming a work and entertainment staple. However, technology—new and repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force in healthcare information. Informaticists frequently monitor trends to determine what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing technology can improve outcomes.

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the use of technology in your healthcare organization and offer a technology trend you have observed in your environment.

To Get Ready:

Consider the Resources for digital information tools and technologies.
Consider how your healthcare organization manages and distributes information using healthcare technologies.
Consider current and potential future trends in nursing practice and healthcare delivery, such as the use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
Post a brief description of general healthcare technology trends, with a focus on data/information used in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Describe any potential challenges or risks inherent in the technologies associated with the trends you’ve described. Then, for each of the technologies you described, describe at least one potential benefit and one potential risk related to data security, legislation, and patient care. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe will have the greatest impact on healthcare technology in nursing practice and why. Describe how this promise will help improve patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data management. Provide specifics and examples.