UNDERSTAND THE USE OF ICT IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

Given the rapid evolution of the healthcare environment, Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) has emerged as a cornerstone for improving healthcare service delivery. ICT in
health care encompasses a broad range of hardware and software, from electronic health
records and telemedicine to mobile health applications and complex diagnostic equipment.
This integration of technology into healthcare practices has revolutionized the delivery of patient
care in such a way that it becomes more efficient, accessible, and tailored. ICT, with the
utilization of its potential, assists health professionals in automating back-office operations,
improving real-time communication, and providing improved outcomes. As we learn about the
use of ICT in healthcare provision, it is clear that such convergence of technology is at the
forefront of creating an integrated, efficient, and effective healthcare system that ultimately
transforms the patient experience and fosters enhanced health outcomes globally.

DIAGNOSTICS DEVICES
Medical diagnostic equipment is used to detect and diagnose medical conditions. The
most common type of medical diagnostic equipment is a stethoscope, which is used to
listen to internal body sounds. Other examples include blood pressure monitors, pulse
oximeters, electrocardiographs (ECGs), ultrasonography (US), Electroencephalography (EEGs),
and X-ray machines. All of these instruments are central to modern health care, allowing
accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

The process of recognizing which disease or condition causes a person’s symptoms

and indicators is known as medical diagnosis.

Diagnostic equipment is a form of medical equipment used to diagnose health

conditions. Diagnostic devices can be simple, such as an otoscope for examining ears,
or complicated, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Diagnostic
devices are used to detect and monitor diseases and assess the severity of injury or
illness. Diagnostic equipment includes a wide range of medical instruments used in
clinical care.
Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan, otherwise referred to as sonography, utilizes high frequency sound waves in
generating images within the body. This is an harmless method that is used most frequently in
monitoring pregnancies, scanning organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, and detecting
discrepancies like tumours or cysts.

Computer Tomography (CT) Scan

A Computer Tomography (CT) scan, or CAT scan, combines X-rays from multiple sides of the
body and uses computer processing to achieve cross-sectional images (slices) of soft tissues,
bones, and blood vessels. CT scans are more informative than standard X-rays and are often
employed to identify diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular ailments, and infections.
Fluoroscope
A fluoroscope is a radiographic imaging device that utilizes the application of X-rays to produce
dynamic images in real time of what is within the body. A fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source
and fluorescent screen. Fluoroscopy is also typically used in instances of diagnostic procedures
like barium X-rays, catheter insertions, and orthopedic procedures to improve the visualization
of the movement of internal organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging method that utilizes strong magnetic
fields and radio waves to create clear images of the internal organs and tissues. MRI is
particularly suited for the imaging of soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and
joints. MRI is often used to diagnose conditions such as tumours, brain ailments, and joint
disorders.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrocardiography
An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Electrodes are placed on the skin to detect electrical impulses produced by the heart when it
contracts. The tracing created by the ECG enables doctors to assess the heart's rhythm, identify
abnormalities, and diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac
illnesses.

MONITORING DEVICES
Patient monitoring devices are any set of systems and/or processes that enable healthcare
providers to monitor, report, and analyse a patient’s health.

In modern healthcare, medical monitoring devices have emerged as indispensable tools for the
ongoing monitoring and management of patient health. They represent a broad range of
technologies used to monitor and measure physiological data in real-time, with the intent to
inform healthcare professionals about the status of a patient. From tracking vital signs such as
heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, to tracking advanced parameters such as
cardiac rhythms and neurological status, medical monitoring devices form the core of early
detection, diagnosis, and ongoing care.

Application of the devices in medicine has revolutionized patient monitoring, enabling

healthcare practitioners to make well-informed decisions rapidly and effectively. From critical
care settings to outpatient clinics, to home health, medical monitoring devices enable patient
health to be continuously tracked, where it can be intervened into quickly and improving overall
outcomes. With an overview of the development and applications of medical monitoring
devices, we see that these technological advances are a major part of healthcare's future,
enabling a better quality of patient care and enabling more active responses to health
maintenance.

Oximeter
An oximeter, commonly known as a pulse oximeter, is a non-invasive device used to measure the
oxygen saturation level (SpO2) in a person's blood. The device typically clips onto a patient's
fingertip, toe, or earlobe and uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. Pulse
oximeters are essential tools for monitoring patients with conditions that affect oxygen levels,
such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and heart failure. They are also
used during surgeries and in critical care settings to ensure patients are receiving adequate
oxygen.

Cardiac Monitoring
Cardiac monitoring involves the continuous or intermittent observation of heart activity to
assess a patient's cardiac health. Various devices and systems are used for cardiac monitoring,
including:

▪ Holter Monitor: A portable device that records continuous ECG (electrocardiogram)

activity over 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect irregular heart rhythms and other cardiac
abnormalities.
 ▪ Event Monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor, but records ECG activity only when the patient
activates it, usually when they experience symptoms. This can be worn for longer periods,
often up to 30 days.

▪ Telemetry: A wireless system that continuously monitors a patient's ECG, heart rate, and
rhythm in real-time, often used in hospitals. The data is transmitted to a central
monitoring station where healthcare providers can promptly respond to any
abnormalities. Many patients in telemetry units have experienced cardiovascular
incidents like heart attacks or strokes and must be kept under close observation as they
recover. Telemetry nurses monitor vital signs and rapidly respond to any sudden changes
in patient status.

▪ Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR): A small device implanted under the skin that
continuously records heart rhythms for up to three years. It is used for long-term
monitoring of patients with unexplained fainting spells or irregular heart rhythms.

These devices are crucial for diagnosing, managing, and monitoring various cardiac conditions,
helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care.
TREATMENT DEVICES

Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy
cancer cells. The process involves precise delivery of radiation beams, often through devices like
linear accelerators, to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells while minimizing damage to
surrounding healthy tissues. Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment for various types of cancers and
can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy devices assist in the rehabilitation and recovery of patients with physical
impairments or injuries. These devices can include:
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Units: Use electrical impulses to stimulate
nerves and reduce pain.
- Ultrasound Therapy Devices: Use sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce
inflammation.
- Laser Therapy Devices: Use low-level lasers to stimulate cellular activity and speed up the
healing process.
- Exercise Equipment: Includes treadmills, stationary bikes, and resistance bands used in
physical therapy routines.

Surgical Devices (e.g., Endoscope)

Surgical devices encompass a broad range of instruments used during medical procedures. An
endoscope is a specialized device used to visualize the inside of the body during minimally
invasive surgeries. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end. The
camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing surgeons to see inside the body without making
large incisions. Endoscopes are commonly used in procedures like colonoscopies,
arthroscopies, and laparoscopies.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
While not a device per se, chemotherapy administration often requires specialized equipment
such as:
- Infusion Pumps: Deliver precise doses of chemotherapy drugs through intravenous (IV) lines
over a controlled period.
- Port-a-Cath Devices: Implanted ports that provide easy access to veins for repeated
chemotherapy treatments.

Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric treatment that uses controlled electrical
currents to induce brief seizures in patients with severe mental health conditions such as major
depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The procedure is performed under general
anaesthesia and involves placing electrodes on the patient's scalp. ECT has shown to be
effective in cases where other treatments have failed.

Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique used to measure and record the
electrical activity of the brain. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp to detect brain waves
and monitor neural activity. EEG is commonly used to diagnose and evaluate neurological
conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain injuries. The data collected helps
healthcare providers understand brain function and detect abnormalities.

TELEMEDICINE/TELENURSING
Telemedicine refers to the remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications
technology, enabling doctors to consult, diagnose, and treat patients via video calls, phone calls, or
messaging without requiring an in-person visit. This approach has transformed healthcare by improving
accessibility, reducing costs, and enhancing patient outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural
areas.
Telenursing is a subset of telemedicine where nurses provide care remotely. They monitor patients, offer
advice, educate patients on managing chronic conditions, and assist in follow-up care using digital
tools. It involves the provision of nursing services whenever physical distance exists between patient
and nurse, or between any number of nurses. Telenursing is growing in many countries because of the
preoccupation in driving down the costs of health care, an increase in the number of aging and
chronically ill population, and the increase in coverage of health care to distant, rural, small, or sparsely
populated regions. Among its many benefits, telenursing may help solve increasing shortages of nurses;
to reduce distances and save travel time, and to keep patients out of hospital. More job satisfaction has
been registered among tele nurses.
Examples:
• Virtual doctor consultations (e.g., via Zoom or specialized apps).
• Remote monitoring of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Post-surgical follow-ups via video calls.
• A patient with chronic heart failure can use a wearable device to monitor their heart rate and
blood pressure. The data is transmitted to a healthcare provider, who can intervene if
necessary.

How Does Telenursing Work?

Telenursing can be divided into four types of technology-based services.
• Video Conferencing: Utilizing internet technology, video conferencing allows healthcare
providers, such as nurse practitioners, to speak “face-to-face” with patients. Video
conferencing is best used for consulting, conducting mental health evaluations, and diagnosing
basic ailments.
 • Digital Transmission: Internet technology also allows healthcare providers to read scans,
watch pre-recorded videos of patients, and review charts from just about anywhere.
• Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): RPM is any technology that’s designed to monitor a
patient’s medical issues, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, heartrate, etc. It can help
healthcare providers track patient health data without the need for numerous appointments.
• Mobile Health: Smartphones and tablet technology allow patients to use apps that provide
health information and track health choices, such as calorie intake and exercise.

TELEMEDICINE: REAL-WORLD SUCCESS STORIES AND RESEARCH INSIGHTS

Telemedicine has transformed healthcare by leveraging digital technology to overcome traditional
barriers, particularly in accessibility, cost efficiency, and patient outcomes. Its impact is especially
profound in underserved and rural areas, where healthcare disparities are most acute.
1. Improving Accessibility: Bridging the Healthcare Gap
A. Reaching Remote & Underserved Populations: Rural areas often suffer from physician
shortages and long travel distances to clinics. Telemedicine eliminates geographical barriers by
connecting patients with specialists remotely.
Example: In Alaska, the ANTHC Telehealth Program provides specialty care (e.g., cardiology,
psychiatry) to Native communities, reducing the need for expensive air travel to urban hospitals.
Research: A New England Journal of Medicine (2022) study found that telemedicine reduced
no-show rates by 38% in rural clinics due to increased convenience.

B. Expanding Specialist Access: Many regions lack specialists (e.g., neurologists).

Teleconsultations allow timely interventions.
Example: Telestroke programs enable rural hospitals to consult neurologists via video, ensuring
faster clot-busting treatment (tPA), which is critical within the "golden hour" of stroke onset.
Research: A JAMA Neurology (2021) analysis showed that telestroke networks improved stroke
outcomes by 25% compared to traditional care.

C. 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care: Platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, and Doctor on Demand provide
instant access to doctors for non-emergency issues (e.g., infections, rashes), reducing ER
overcrowding.
Example: During COVID-19, Kaiser Permanente reported a 50% drop in in-person visits due to
telemedicine adoption.

2. Reducing Healthcare Costs

A. Lowering Hospital Readmissions: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) helps manage chronic
diseases (e.g., heart failure, COPD), preventing costly ER visits.
Example: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reduced heart failure readmissions by 35%
using RPM devices that alert doctors to worsening symptoms.
Research: A Health Affairs (2020) study found that telemedicine saved $1,500 per patient
annually in chronic disease management.
 B. Cutting Down on Unnecessary ER Visits: Many ER visits are for non-emergencies. Virtual triage
helps redirect patients to appropriate care.
Example: A University of Mississippi Medical Center program reduced unnecessary ER visits by
27% through telemedicine consultations.

C. Reducing Travel & Infrastructure Costs: Patients in rural areas often travel hours for care,
incurring transportation and lost wages.
Research: A Journal of Rural Health (2023) study estimated that telemedicine saved rural
patients $200 per visit in travel costs.

3. Enhancing Patient Outcomes

A. Faster Diagnoses & Treatment: AI-assisted telemedicine (e.g., AI dermatology apps, ECG
analysis) speeds up diagnoses.
Example: Ada Health’s AI symptom checker improved diagnostic accuracy by 20% in pilot
studies.

B. Better Chronic Disease Management: Continuous monitoring via wearables (e.g., glucose
monitors, blood pressure cuffs) improves adherence.
Research: A Diabetes Care (2021) study found that telemedicine patients with diabetes had
0.8% lower HbA1c levels than in-person-only care groups.

C. Mental Health Improvements: Teletherapy reduces stigma and increases access for
depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Example: The VA’s telehealth mental health program saw a 40% reduction in suicide rates
among veterans using virtual therapy.

DIY
Information Search: Research, evidence-based care.
The importance of ICT on the quality of nursing care.