Automation in Hospitals and Healthcare

Abstract

Healthcare is a complex industry, but yet it lags behind virtually all others in automation and use of information technology (IT)information technology (IT). For healthcare, technology serves as an untapped catalyst for higher efficiency, lower cost and broader access to care. The appropriate application can minimize medical errors, promote better management of chronic illness, and enable clinicians to intervene earlier and anticipate prognosis. Additionally, medical informatics provides the tools to generate new insights about both individuals and entire populations through data analysis and visualization. These systems can also be used in support of continuous quality improvement efforts as well as to reduce inefficiencies. While significant strides have been made in the implementation of medical informatics, there are numerous challenges to resolve before we will be able to realize the full benefits of healthcare IT.