Healthcare is an important sector of the economy, and its employees play a critical role in keeping society functioning. As such, it is crucial to ensure that healthcare employees are as productive as possible. One way to do this is to use technology to improve employee productivity and performance. Technology can be applied in various ways to boost worker performance and productivity in the healthcare industry. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) can help to streamline the process of keeping track of patient medical histories and treatment plans (Hafeez et al., 2019). This can allow healthcare employees to focus on other tasks, such as providing direct patient care. Additionally, telemedicine can help to improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely. This can help reduce patients’ need to travel to see their doctor, saving time and money.
Benefits of Technology in Healthcare
One of the potential benefits of using technology to improve employee productivity in healthcare is that it can help to standardize processes. For example, suppose all employees are using the same electronic medical record system. In that case, it can help to ensure that everyone is inputting data in the same way and following the same processes. This can help to reduce errors and improve efficiency. Another potential benefit is that technology can help to improve communication between employees. For example, if there is an electronic messaging system in place, it can help reduce the need for face-to-face meetings or phone calls, saving time (Tanwar et al., 2020). Additionally, it can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that critical information is not missed. A third potential benefit is that technology can help to automate tasks. For example, a system to automatically refill medications or schedule appointments can free up time for employees to focus on other tasks. Additionally, it can help reduce the need for manual input of data, which can help reduce errors.
Drawbacks of Technology in Healthcare
One of the main drawbacks is the potential for technology to create additional work for employees. For example, if a new electronic medical record system is implemented, employees may need to learn how to use it, input data, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Additionally, if technology fails or is not used correctly, it can create additional work rather than saving time. Another potential drawback is the potential for technology to create distractions (Panch et al., 2018). For example, if employees are constantly checking their email or receiving notifications on their phones, it can take away from time that could be spent working. Additionally, it can be challenging to focus when there are constant distractions.
A third potential drawback is a potential for technology to lead to burnout. If employees are expected to be constantly available and to respond to notifications immediately, it can lead to them feeling overwhelmed and stressed. This can lead to lower job satisfaction and eventually to employee turnover. Overall, there are potential benefits and drawbacks to using technology to improve employee productivity in healthcare. While there are many potential benefits, such as improved efficiency and communication, there are also some potential drawbacks, such as the potential for additional work and distractions (Tavakoli et al., 2020). Ultimately, it is up to each healthcare organization to decide whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. Using technology to improve employee productivity and performance can positively impact the healthcare sector.
References
Hafeez, I., Yingjun, Z., Hafeez, S., Mansoor, R., & Rehman, K. U. (2019). Impact of workplace environment on employee performance: Mediating role of employee health. Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 17(2), 173–193. Web.
Panch, T., Szolovits, P., & Atun, R. (2018). Artificial intelligence, machine learning and health systems. Journal of global health, 8(2), 020303. Web.
Tanwar, S., Parekh, K., & Evans, R. (2020). Blockchain-based electronic healthcare record system for healthcare 4.0 applications. Journal of Information Security and Applications, 50, 102-407. Web.
Tavakoli, M., Carriere, J., & Torabi, A. (2020). Robotics, innovative wearable technologies, and autonomous intelligent systems for healthcare during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An analysis of the state of the art and future vision. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2(7), 200-271. Web.