Question

What changes have been made by "Obama Care" from the IT perspective? For instance, what types of Health IT have been used to improve patient safety and quality of care? Give three examples.

Answer 1

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as "Obama Care," introduced significant enhancements in Health IT, such as Electronic Health Records, Health Information Exchanges, and Telehealth Services, all of which improve patient safety and the quality of care.

Step-by-step explanation:

"Obama Care," officially known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), brought significant changes to the healthcare industry, including advancements in Health IT aimed at improving patient safety and the quality of care. From an IT perspective, here are three key areas where Health IT has been utilized:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): The adoption of EHRs has been one of the central IT focuses of Obamacare. EHRs create a more streamlined process for storing and accessing critical patient information, improving care coordination and reducing medical errors.
• Health Information Exchanges (HIEs): HIEs allow for the secure exchange of health information among participating entities, such as healthcare providers, insurers, and patients themselves. This facilitates better-informed decision-making and ensures that care is efficient and consistent across providers.
• Telehealth Services: PPACA has encouraged the use of telehealth, enabling patients to access healthcare services remotely. This not only increases accessibility but also lowers the risk of hospital-acquired infections and enhances resource efficiency.

The aforementioned improvements not only boost the effectiveness of healthcare delivery but also focus on protecting patient privacy, balancing treatment costs, and enhancing quality of life for patients.