Final answer:
Computerized standardized plans of care in hospitals are part of an effort to streamline healthcare delivery, increase quality, and control costs by ensuring consistent and efficient treatment using electronic medical records. They support sharing of digital records among providers while also raising considerations for patient privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hospitals and healthcare providers leverage computerized standardized plans of care to enhance efficiency and quality in the medical field. These plans are part of a broader trend towards digitization and standardization in healthcare, spurred on by the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) regulations to control the skyrocketing costs associated with health care. By using electronic medical records (EMRs), healthcare providers can cap administrative expenditures and enhance patient care coordination.
Standardized care plans ensure that healthcare delivery is consistent across different providers and settings. These computerized protocols aid in streamlining the treatment process, minimizing errors, and ensuring that patients receive the kind of care that aligns with best practices and current medical guidelines. Moreover, they form the basis for telemedicine and other modern healthcare services that contribute to improving both access to care and patient outcomes.
Additionally, the use of computerized care plans facilitate the sharing of digital records among health providers, which can significantly reduce the cost of health care while improving its quality. However, the increased digitization of health records raises concerns about patient privacy. Policies need to balance the cost and quality benefits against the risks to individual privacy.