www.advanceweb.com | HEALTHCARE CAREERS | 2018 21 has assisted in the successful adoption of new technologies for the betterment of their peers as well as their patients. “New clinicians entering the field are able to utilize various technological advances to assist with faster and accurate diagnostics and treat- ment interventions,” he said. “They may be better prepared to work with new equipment.” That’s not to say there is a disconnect among colleagues—far from it. Thanks to the evolu- tion of telehealth, technology has specifically fostered a level of collaboration that contin- ues to be strengthened through the ability to connect specialists remotely to care for patients who are unable to make multiple vis- its throughout the continuum. “Telehealth allows us to connect patients with more healthcare professionals while avoiding unnecessary trips or admissions to the hospital,” Aviles said. “As healthcare pro- viders, this type of advanced technology also allows us to share information, have bet- ter access to vital information and provide improved communication with patients as well as various professionals in different set- tings. These advanced techniques have also allowed patients to decrease hospitalization stays and improve recovery times.” In that vein, technology in general has affected protocol to a point that there’s seem- ingly no shortage of examples as to how cli- nicians are now able to benefit their practice, which ultimately benefits patients, Aviles said. “In today’s world, new technological advances have generally improved health- care-related processes,” he continued. “We are able to get real-time data that allows us to make appropriate and timely decisions. Patients can access information through patient portals and there is better communi- cation between facilities.” From the patient-provider perspective, utilization of advanced technology may be most evident through information sharing via EHRs. While this type of communication has become more of a necessity than a lux- ury, Dr. Agrawal said it in no way diminishes any significance or satisfaction that providers can experience from being able to offer more effective care. That said, there are both pros and cons to this availability of patient commu- nication that the use of technology provides.  “Electronic records improve access for phy- sicians and patients to medical information, and the use of telemedicine saves patients and the medical system time and resources, and removes geographical restrictions; however, physicians have to spend a significant portion of clinical time documenting in the EHR, often at the expense of patient-physician interaction becoming shorter and less personal.” Avilesoffersawordofcaution.Electronically speaking, an interaction with patients can be “lost” if there’s too much concentration on the use of technology to the point that it takes away from the personal connection with patients. Then there’s the whole dependency affect that can set in. HEALTHCARE CAREERS 2018  |  TECHNOLOGY “OUM gave me the opportunity to make my dream of being a physician a reality.” Dr. Jennifer Allen • Former Nurse Practitioner • OUM Class of 2012 Founder, New Freedom Family Medicine LLC • Hermann, Missouri You know what’s best for your patients. So, what’s best for you? This is your time… If you’re finally ready to take that next step, consider this: OUM is the top choice for medical school among healthcare professionals. At OUM, you can earn your medical degree with minimal disruption to your professional and personal life. It’s time to make medical school your reality. Call toll free 877.463.6686 or visit oum.edu.ws Oceania University of Medicine TECHNOLOGY Continued on page 32