Reflection Question:
Before we dig into this week’s reading and viewing activities, let’s reflect on the array of new medical technologies available to health providers and patients.
- Share a new or emerging medical technology that is of special interest to you. What interests you about this technology, and what do you think is important about it?
Application Question:
Applying what you’ve learned from the readings, let’s go through the rest of the discussion together, one question at a time. Ensure you cite other’s work when appropriate.
How do we effectively use all of this new technology?
- Medical technologies are exciting. They’re new and often promise to make a profound difference in health, safety, and quality of life. Describe a recent example of ethical issues related to medical technology. Briefly describe the ethical dilemma and the outcome as it currently stands. What are some of the ethical issues surrounding the development and use of medical technology?
- Emerging medical technologies are accompanied by concerns regarding the protection of confidential patient data and how it's stored, used, and regulated. You are now familiar with HIPAA and HITECH through your readings. As a group, please critique HIPAA and HITECH in how well you believe they protect patient data collected through medical technology.
Here’s how to do a group critique:
- Take a facet that you believe is especially strong and one that you feel needs some improvement. Avoid writing long essays; be brief but descriptive.
- If each of you shares one unique strength and one unique area for improvement, you will – together – come up with an impressive set of recommendations for change.
- As you discuss this question, share examples of brand new, emerging, or even existing medical technologies (e.g. synchronous and/or asynchronous telemedicine technologies) and any strategies you feel might support strengths and address weak areas.