buy custom The Influence of Technology on Healthcare essay

buy custom The Influence of Technology on Healthcare essay Information technology has had significant implications on the cost, quality and accessibility of health care. Although the diffusion of technology into healthcare is low, investment in healthcare technology has great potential of improving efficiency, quality and safety of health care. This paper will examine examples of healthcare technology and how this has influenced the cost, quality and accessibility to health care. Influence of Health Information Technology (HIT) Health Information Technology involves the application of computer in the medical practice. This includes computerized entry systems that physicians use to order tests or medications, the support system that guides clinical decision making, electronic prescription of medications and electronic medical records. The diffusion of technology into healthcare system has had significant impact on the quality of health services provided. The support system for clinical decision making, for example, enables clinicians and physicians to make well informed and accurate medical decisions through a system-supported consultation procedures. Electronic medical record (EMR) has helped in facilitating electronic transmission of data thus enhancing the realization of interoperability of different care facilities and sharing of medical information (Blumenthal Glasser, 2007). This, added to application of electronic health record (EHR), have improved quality of health care by helping in the identification of harmful drug interactions or potential allergic reactions of patients to the prescribed drugs (Blumenthal Glasser, 2007). Health Information Technology has had an impact on the cost of healthcare. It enables care providers to prescribe more generic medicines. This lowers the costs of medication associated with the prescription of the costly brand-name drugs. Besides, the cost associated with medical transcription is eliminated. Herndon, Hwang Bozic (2007) cited that the cost associated with manual maintenance of patient records is tremendously reduced with the integration of technology into the information systems of the healthcare industry. Accessibility of healthcare services is greatly improved with health information technology. Interoperability of healthcare syste facilitated by health information technology enhances sharing of information. Therefore, patients can be able to access medical services promptly from any location since the systems are integrated. With health information technology, one is able to diagnose medical conditions through the computerized diagnostic information systems (Blumenthal Glasser, 2007). Through this system, a patient can easily determine the possible infections and access the recommended diagnosis for the disease. This implies that one only needs to seek for the recommended drug without having to travel to the hospital to see a practitioner. Mobile Technology and Health Care Mobile health involves application of mobile technologies in health research and delivery of healthcare. This has impacted the quality of healthcare positively. With the mobile technology, more research has been done on best treatment interventions for various diseases (Herndon et al, 2007). Mobile technology enables practitioners and the public to have instant access to drug information for over 800 diseases and conditions. This enhances provision of accurate prescription for these diseases and conditions thus strengthening the quality of the services provided. Mobile technology has tremendously improved the accessibility of healthcare services. For example, small lapel button combining tiny video camera, microphone, GPS connection and accelerometer transmits a persons real dietary and physical activity through the mobile phone to a dietician for evaluation. Dietary information and intervention can thus be accessed easily from the dietician. Besides, this technology gives a summary of over 800 diseases and conditions with their detailed drug prescription information through a powerful search engine. Flip phones, iPhones and Androids have also facilitated easier access to medical health information and thus bring healthcare services closer to the public. Mobile technology also decentralizes healthcare services (Blumenthal Glasser, 2007). Whereas the quality and accessibility of healthcare services is greatly improved with the use of mobile technology, the cost implications are unbearable for the low income earners. The accessories that this technology demands in order to be functional are very expensive and thus unaffordable for the low classs category of potential consumers. Further, the online prescription approach to medication is very expensive given the challenge of location and cost of the prescribed medications for the conditions and diseases that are diagnosed. Computer-Supported Treatments and Health Care The quality of healthcare services has greatly improved with the integration of computer supported medical interventions. The use of assistive technology and computer-supported screening and treatment of diseases has significantly improved the quality of healthcare services provided to patients (Blumenthal Glasser, 2007). Screening, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancerous infections, for example, have been possible due to the diffusion of computer-technology into the healthcare system. Besides, computer-supported cognitive behavioral treatment of the anxiety disorders is quite expensive (Anderson, Jacobs Rothbaum, 2004). Medical technology has involved use of technical machines in disease screening and treatment. Microscopic computers have been used in the screening of cancerous cells and other micro-bacterial infections within the human system. However, the application of technology in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of diseases has been very expensive and unaffordable for most people. The cost of healthcare has thus risen as a result of the application of technological approaches in the healthcare system. Since the cost associated with integration of technology in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions has almost tripled, accessibility of healthcare services has gravely declined. A good percentage, approximately 40%, of middle class population cannot access the healthcare services due to the high costs associated with technology supported treatment procedures. This is particularly the case with some of the chronic diseases and conditions such as cancerous infections. Conclusion The diffusion of technology into the healthcare system has generally had positive impact in the health sector. Whereas the cost of the healthcare services has relatively shot, the quality and accessibility healthcare services have greatly improved. Healthcare technology should thus be promoted although the cost should be considered. Buy custom The Influence of Technology on Healthcare essay

Reality Internet Assignment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reality Internet Assignment - Research Paper Example Another definition is given by Jonathon Bignell, who defines it as the unscripted actions and behavior of everyday people, which are the shows’ focus of interest (Edwards 17). While reality TV’s boundaries are blurred, the most fundamental factor separating it from other TV genres is its focus on people’s situational reaction and private thoughts. Effects of Reality TV Production Elements on Non-Reality TV Because of reality TV’s popularity, non-reality TV has been forced to pick up some production elements from them to remain competitive on the screen. One of those elements assimilated into non-reality TV is the use of real-life participants. Since reality, TV’s biggest appeal is the use of real people playing their part, rather than actors, non-reality TV has taken up the tendency to create characters out of real life people (lostintelevision 1). One example of this is the HBO drama The Wire, which uses real life people together with actors to cre ate an authentic feel in their program. The use of real neighborhoods and real occupants of these neighborhoods with no acting experience and placing them in situations like drug busts and murders, while also taking their reactions, is what made The Wire such a big TV hit. With time, these real-life characters, including workers in the Mayor’s office, became integrated into the show, adding to the authenticity of its message. Another element used in non-reality TV and borrowed from reality TV is the use of unscripted performance (lostintelevision 1). Again, The Wire is a good example of this with the producers placing real life characters in the midst of their scenes and focusing on them to see their reactions. Normally, because the people of Baltimore are used to these situations makes their reactions authentic compared to, for example, bringing in actors into these situations. However, while these situations are unscripted, the producer sets up the situations with real life events being controlled using a narrative structure carried by the actors. Another element of reality TV that has been assimilated into non-reality TV is the use of reality-style testimonials, where the characters explain their situations to the camera and the audience (lostintelevision 1), such as was used in the British Sitcom The Office. The narration is usually in the form of present tense and usually deals with what is going on as the audience watches as the narrator of the testimonial adopts informal styles of speech and communication. Surveillance or observation is another production element popularized by reality TV that has influenced the production of non-reality TV. Just as in reality TV, non-reality TV has become reliant on observation and has turned to intrusive surveillance to become more real. Documentaries have especially taken up this element by integrating CCTV images into their production. This has also introduced the element of voyeurism with the CCTV images bei ng used for surveillance becoming increasingly intrusive (lostintelevision 1). The producer uses the CCTV imagery to exhibit something that he/she is investigating and this positions the audience as voyeurs in the situations being filmed. While those being followed do not at the time, and the cameras were not meant to pick up what they were doing, the producer eventually uses these images to create a real-life situation. Impacts of Reality TV on Cultural Norms Sex and promiscuity are some of the most

In what ways do changes of administration in Washington affect Essay

In what ways do changes of administration in Washington affect continuity in US policy in the Asia-Pacific - Essay Example If the heads of state had come from similar parties it is easier to ensure continuity of policies. Otherwise, the chances of continuity are slim unless the next president is not one for party politics such as Obama’s case. So as to have a clearer view on how administration changes tend to affect continuity in the Asia-Pacific area, this essay henceforth aims to scrutinize the ways in which the change of political leaders may affect policy continuity. Administration changes can affect policies whenever party politics take precedence over continuity. It has been known that Democrats and Republicans have contrasting values. While the former espouses liberal views and political methods, the latter’s beliefs on and approach to policy debates is conservative and traditional. Party affiliation in the US has a â€Å"predominant influence† on the President and his administration. Jim Leach, former chairman of the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, considers â€Å"the interplay between the Republican and Democratic parties and within each of these parties† as responsible for adding another coat of complexity to the US system and its policies in Asia-Pacific. For comparison’s sake, the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton was markedly different from that of his successor Bush Jr. Though rocked with scandals irrelevant to policy-making (i.e. Monica Lewinsky affai r), there was at least a shortage of war. As Rozoff (2009) quipped in his write-up, â€Å"when Clinton lied no Americans died.† On one hand, the Bush Presidency had enough Republican policies on war to sacrifice thousands of American soldiers. The Democratic Policy Committee condemned such policies as â€Å"misguided† for having â€Å"severely tarnished Americas reputation in Iraq and around the world† and  undermined â€Å"U.S.-led reconstruction efforts†

Row based FPGAs Essay Example for Free

Row based FPGAs Essay It is a coarse grained one dimensional structure. The logic structure contains 16-bit registers, ALUs, Multipliers and SRAM blocks. Its interconnect structure consists of segmented 16-bit buses. There are two types of buses. Short buses provide local communication and long buses are interconnected by bus connectors. It is a subset of FPGA and an important class of programmable devices. It provides connectivity between the routing channels. It can be classified as ad-hoc and structured arrays (Weste Eshraghian, 2000 :401). Advantages Programming can be changed in real time. A computer program that executes on a PGA array is many faster than conventional machines. Disadvantages When the signal has to travel through a large number of cells, this can present in a substantial delay. The Xilinx Programmable Gate Array It is an example of an ad-hoc array. In the architecture of XC3000 series, an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) is embedded within a set of horizontal and vertical channels that contain routing. The configuration of the interconnect is achieved by turning on N-Channel past transistors. The CLB structure consists of two registers, number of muxes and a combinatorial function unit. At the junction of the horizontal and vertical routing channels, programmable switching matrices redirect routes. The switching matrices perform crossbar switching of the global interconnect which runs both vertically and horizontally. Programmable interconnect points interconnect a global routing to CLBs. Both PIPs and switching matrices are implemented as n-channel pass gates controlled by 1-bit RAM cells. Extra special long distance interconnect is used to route more important timing signals with a low skew (Weste Eshraghian,2000 :400). Initially, the board design is completed. Design then proceeds by mapping the logic design to the CLBs. Software then places and routes the CLBs by loading the internal state RAM with the codes needed to program the IOs, the CLBs and the routing. The design is then ready to be tested. Reprogrammable logic can be embedded within a larger system to aid the designer in easier system debug of a chip function. (Weste and Eshraghian,2000 ) (Weste and Eshraghian, 2000 ) Algotronix CAL1024 is an example of structured array. The architecture contains 1024 identical logic cells arranged in a 32-dy-32 matrix. At the boundary of the chip, 128 programmable I/O pins allow cascading of chips. The cell design consists of four multiplexers to route single bit signals in all possible directions. The muxers are controlled by 5 transistor static ram cells (Weste Eshraghian, 2000:403). In the IO pads only one pin is used for IO into and out of the array, but having the communicating chips automatically deal with two pins that are outputs. To achieve this, a three level logic scheme is used to sense when two outputs are driving each other via a contention circuit. (Weste and Eshraghian, 2000 ) (Weste and Eshraghian, 2000 ) PLA consists of an array of AND gates that can be programmed to generate any product of the input variables. The product terms are then connected to OR gates to provide a sum of products for the required Boolean function. In a PLA, each input goes through a buffer and inverter, so that both true and complement outputs are obtained. Each input and its complement are connected to inputs of each AND gates. The outputs of AND gates are connected to the inputs of each OR gate. The output of OR gate goes to an XOR gate where the other input can be programmed to receive a signal equal to either logic 1 or 0. The output may be complemented or left in its true form depending on the connection of one of the XOR gate inputs.

The Giraffe: Big and Beautiful :: Informative Essays

The Giraffe-big and Beautiful Ever wonder about the different animals around the world? Ever wonder about their behaviors and features? This all has to do with zoology. Zoology is defined as the branch of biology devoted to the animals. Zoology can be viewed as a series of efforts to analyze and classify animals. Zoology basically explains everything having to do with the entire animal population. Zoology in an important field in the science world because it helps to explain all the different studies of animals. One important and what I feel is the greatest animal studied in zoology is the giraffe also known as Giraffa camelopardalis. The giraffe is the tallest animal averaging seventeen feet. Giraffes usually weigh about 2,500 lbs. Giraffes along with their extremely tall bodies have tongues usually fifteen inches long. Both sexes have two or four short, blunt, skin-covered horns. The coat has chestnut brown blotches against a brown background, markings that blend with the many different trees. As a giraffe ages, its color grows a darker brown. Each animal has a unique set of markings. Giraffes have keen sense of smell, seeing, and fantastic eyesight. A giraffe’s lifespan is up to twenty-six years in the wild and thirty-six years in captivity. Giraffes live on dry savannas and open woodland. They range south in the Sahara and in large numbers only in East Africa. Giraffes are herbivores, they eat mainly on leaves from acacia, mimosa, and wild apricot trees. Scientists have discovered many interesting facts about giraffes. One fact is that giraffes may have existed during the Quaternary period. This period is the division of geologic time in the Cenozoic period. Evidence has been found that the Sahara was occupied by giraffes and other land-grazing animals, during the later part of this time period. Scientists have found fossils and many other evidence that as soon as the dinosaurs disappeared, mammals like the giraffe appeared. Along with these interesting facts, scientists have discovered the giraffe’s different techniques for communication. Chemical communication is a powerful tool, particularly for ensuring reproduction, marking territory, and alerting prey against predators. A male giraffe, for instance, determines the best time to mate by nudging the female until she urinates and then checking the odor to determine if she is fertile. Communication is important among giraffes because it helps them to gather for good, care for their young, and mate. Most commonly, animal communication occurs between animals of the same species. The Giraffe: Big and Beautiful :: Informative Essays The Giraffe-big and Beautiful Ever wonder about the different animals around the world? Ever wonder about their behaviors and features? This all has to do with zoology. Zoology is defined as the branch of biology devoted to the animals. Zoology can be viewed as a series of efforts to analyze and classify animals. Zoology basically explains everything having to do with the entire animal population. Zoology in an important field in the science world because it helps to explain all the different studies of animals. One important and what I feel is the greatest animal studied in zoology is the giraffe also known as Giraffa camelopardalis. The giraffe is the tallest animal averaging seventeen feet. Giraffes usually weigh about 2,500 lbs. Giraffes along with their extremely tall bodies have tongues usually fifteen inches long. Both sexes have two or four short, blunt, skin-covered horns. The coat has chestnut brown blotches against a brown background, markings that blend with the many different trees. As a giraffe ages, its color grows a darker brown. Each animal has a unique set of markings. Giraffes have keen sense of smell, seeing, and fantastic eyesight. A giraffe’s lifespan is up to twenty-six years in the wild and thirty-six years in captivity. Giraffes live on dry savannas and open woodland. They range south in the Sahara and in large numbers only in East Africa. Giraffes are herbivores, they eat mainly on leaves from acacia, mimosa, and wild apricot trees. Scientists have discovered many interesting facts about giraffes. One fact is that giraffes may have existed during the Quaternary period. This period is the division of geologic time in the Cenozoic period. Evidence has been found that the Sahara was occupied by giraffes and other land-grazing animals, during the later part of this time period. Scientists have found fossils and many other evidence that as soon as the dinosaurs disappeared, mammals like the giraffe appeared. Along with these interesting facts, scientists have discovered the giraffe’s different techniques for communication. Chemical communication is a powerful tool, particularly for ensuring reproduction, marking territory, and alerting prey against predators. A male giraffe, for instance, determines the best time to mate by nudging the female until she urinates and then checking the odor to determine if she is fertile. Communication is important among giraffes because it helps them to gather for good, care for their young, and mate. Most commonly, animal communication occurs between animals of the same species.

Forced Ranking Essay

Would you recommend that an employer use a forced distribution approach to performance appraisals? I would recommend a forced distribution list to organizations that are large in size and are looking to create a process oriented approach. About 20% of Fortune 1,000 companies and growing are using this approach. â€Å"Some say forced ranking is not only the best method, but an essential practice to turn a struggling company into a market-dominating one.† (Bates, 2003) This approach is the best way to identify your high performing individuals and also the bottom performs who should be helped out. The high performers should be given promotions, financial incentives and training to grow within the company. A leadership development program can also be started after identifying the high performers. The low performers should be put on a performance improvement plan to get help. Low performers are not automatically fired for being in one bracket – warnings should always be given first. It should be looked at as a development tool. Forced ranking engages the manager to provide assessments of employees and forces them to communicate the tough stuff with their employees. It holds the managers accountable for their workforce. â€Å"The great value of using a forced ranking process doesn’t result merely from plunking people into different buckets,† he says. â€Å"The payoff comes from the action that is taken with each person following the assessment sessions.† (Bates, 2003) What are the Pro’s and Con’s? Pros: Creates and sustains a high-performance culture. Employees know where they stand at all times and if they are not performing well they can be given the opportunity for improvement using a performance appraisal system. For the high performing employees they are rewarded and motivated to continue performing. â€Å"Lets employees know where they stand. One of the common complaints from employees is about the lack of feedback on their performance. Forced ranking sends a clear message as to how people stand, or fall† (Sprenkle, 2002). The systems forces managers to have tough conversations with direct reports they may have been avoided. There is a  more disciplined approach to the management process. Managers cannot ignore performance issues with this approach. Can easily match employee performance to compensation and year-end bonus. Can motivate employees to increase their performance if they know that their compensation depends on this. (Lipman, 2012) Cons: Employees are going to want feedback more regularly to make sure they are performing well. â€Å"Some companies really do have a lot of high performers, so forced ranking eliminates great people and damages the culture.† (Bersin, May) If an employee is surprised by their rating they will most likely be demotivated. â€Å"A study by Drake University professor Steve Scullen, shows that forced ranking loses its effectiveness after a couple of years, since the average quality of workers increases and there are fewer â€Å"C† players to identify.† (Alsever, 2008)Can create a competitive environment that does not encourage team work. More likely to have discrimination lawsuits References: Alsever, J. (2008, May 1). CBS Money Watch. Retrieved from What Is Forced Ranking?: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-forced-ranking/ Bates, S. (2003, June 1). SHRM. Retrieved from HR Magazine: Forced Rankling : http://www.shrm.org/Publications/hrmagazine/EditorialContent/Pages/0603bates.aspx Bersin, J. (May, 6 2013). Forbes. Retrieved from Time to Scrap Performance Appraisals?: http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2013/05/06/time-to-scrap-performance-appraisals/ Lipman, V. (2012, July 19). Forbes. Retrieved from The Pros And Cons Of Forced Rankings: A Manager’s Perspective: http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2012/07/19/the-pros-and-cons-of-forced-rankings-a-managers-perspective/ Sprenkle, L. (2002, June 20). Workforce. Retrieved from Forced Ranking – A Good Thing for Business?: http://www.workforce.com/articles/forced-ranking-a-good-thing-for-business

The Autobiography of Malcom X as Told to Alex Haley Essay

Statement of Purpose Alex Haley is the author of the book. The central theme of the book is to reflect the perspective of a black man in an era that called for equality struggles between races in the United States while battling views on racism and his rise and fall within the Nation of Islam religion. The author’s purpose for writing the book was for the reader to gain knowledge of Malcolm X as an individual and not as a phenomenon. He wanted to deliver truths that spanned his brief lifetime. Alex Haley’s qualifications to write the book were simply that he was a black man in America during the same time span as Malcolm X and his earlier work had focused on the struggles of African Americans in the United States in particular. Haley†¦show more content†¦He becomes immersed in the night life and consumed with everything it has to offer. Just shy of being twenty-one he was sent to prison for 10 years. At this pivotal point in his life, he converts to the Black Muslim religion. The other crucial life altering event took place in 1963 when evidence was uncovered regarding the Honorable Elijah Mohammad’s human frailties and lack of moral character. This revelation prompted a holy journey that yet again changed Malcolm’s thought process that was evident at the end of his life. Critique This autobiography of Malcolm X was spellbinding. The fascinating persona of this man was phenomenal. As he describes his education in one part of the book, â€Å"Gentlemen, I finished the eighth grade in Mason, Michigan. My high school was the black ghetto of Roxbury, Massachusetts. My college was in the streets of Harlem, and my masters was taken in prison† is just amazing. This book did not contain any illustrations, pictures, or tables. The author was extremely descriptive in telling the story. His writing style made the reader to become a part of the story telling experience. I could visualize the experiences and places that were included in the book. For example, when he told about the conking of his hair, how it felt when his scalp was burning, although it was a painful experience, it was humorous to me as a reader. I could imagine the lindy-hopping dances he talked about. How he would whirl them around,Show MoreRelatedThe Autobiography Of Malcolm X1701 Words   |  7 Pagesread the autobiography of Malcolm X. Malcolm X was one of the most controversial Men in American history. I’m familar with the name Malcolm X however, I’m not familliar with the works and background of Malcolm X. This is why I choose to read th e autobiography of Malcolm X written by himself and Alex Haley. Which gives the read an insight on his background, beliefs, and the American society then. I believe that many people including myself have misunderstood Malcolm X. I believe that Malcolm X is misunderstoodRead MoreA Man And A Doll. Society As A Unit, Has Been Pushing Towards1475 Words   |  6 Pagessymbols and ideas to get points across to help push and fix where society has holes to further integrate the perfect principles that will then replace social norms, and break through what once was a flawed belief system. the social rights activist Malcom X was one of these icons who fought to create a better world for African Americans. The child s toy Barbie, was a symbol towards women and pushed the idea of that women can push through the ideals that society wanted them to be. Both for a cause,Read MoreMalcolm X : An Extraordinary Figure For African Americans1647 Words   |  7 Pages Malcolm X is an extraordinary figure for African Americans. He is one of the most historic and significant human beings in American history. Malcolm Little was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother, Louise Little, was 28 years young and his father Earl Little was an outspoken Baptist minister and supporter of Marcus Garvey s â€Å"Back to Africa Movement†. Malcom had 3 half siblings from his father’s previous marriage and later 6 additional kids. His push for Civil Right made him a targetRead More Malcolm X and the Shakespearean Tragic Hero Essay example1801 Words   |  8 PagesMalcolm X and the Shakespearean Tragic Hero   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aristotle defines a tragic hero as â€Å"good but flawed, must be aristocratic, must be believable, and must behave consistently.† The Muslim leader Malcolm X can be compared to such tragic heroes such as Othello and Hamlet. Malcolm’s life and his personality have similar traits from both of the famous Shakespearean heroes. In this paper we will look deeper into the life of Malcolm X and find the similarities between him and the tragic heroes, alsoRead MoreMalcolm X s Influence On Society1391 Words   |  6 PagesADOLECENT YEARS Malcolm X had accomplished many achievements throughout his time as a religious, fellow activist, however, it had never been something simple to do. Throughout his younger years, he had always been in a battle with race, religion, and who exactly he identified himself to be. When Malcolm’s parents, Earl and Louis Little, had been expecting on the arrival for Malcolm’s birth, Earl had been threatened precisely by many white supremacist groups, causing their family to relocate manyRead MoreMalcolm X : A Man Who Changed American History1453 Words   |  6 Pages Malcolm X The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley is the story about a man who greatly impacted American history. Malcolm Little, or Malcolm X as he is more widely known, taught what he believed in regards to segregation, racism, and discrimination. Growing up in a large family with a father Earl Little, a Baptist minister, and his mother Louis Little who was a homemaker, Malcolm’s life at the time seemed very promising. His father’s involvement in support of the Black