Memorandum Report

6.1 Assignment

Braveheart Hospital
“3 Big Data Sources”

Prepared by:
Nicole Savinda
Healthcare Information Systems
SBU 331 45
Seton Hill University

February 18, 2022

 Memorandum

Date: February 18, 2022

To: Braveheart Hospital CEO

From: Nicole Savinda, Information Technology Supervisor

Subject: “3 Big Data Sources”

With the amount of data increasing at an incredible rate, it is no surprise that we are seeing

advancements in the technology used to store this information. As such a large organization, it

is important that we keep up with this never ending growth in development. Hospitals across

the world are utilizing these new technologies and we, here at Braveheart, have to do the same

if we wish to compete with the bigger facilities.

It is no secret that technology is evolving at a rapid pace. With this growth in technology comes

advancements in medical communication. We have seen tremendous success with these new

programs. We are currently utilizing three big data sources in our everyday procedures. Those

three sources include: EHR Systems, Mobile Communication and Devices, and Imaging.

So, what are these data sources and how do they help us? Let’s start out with the EHR Systems.

EHR, or electronic health records, are essentially a digital version of a patient’s health record.

(What, n.d.) Electronic health records contain a patient’s medical history; things such as test

results, medications, allergies, procedure history, doctor notes, treatment, and diagnoses. With
the help of EHRs, doctors have access to tools which can help them to make a diagnosis. Having

this technology has decreased the amount of time needed for a physician to get test results,

meaning that a patient can begin treatment faster.

One of the biggest advantages of using EHRs is that a patient’s information can be shared

between medical professionals quickly and easily. This has made it much easier for physicians

to consult with one another when needed. In addition, the use of EHRs has improved the

communication between the physician and the patient. The adoption of health information

technology can help reduce medical errors and adverse events, enable better documentation

and file organization, and provide patients with information that assists their adherence to

medication regimens and scheduled appointments”. (Use, 2016)

Mobile communication and devices are becoming more and more popular in the healthcare

industry. In fact, surveys have shown that 80% of physicians use an iPhone. (Ventola, 2014)

You read that right…80%! Cellular devices are “reliable, portable, affordable, and there is

meaningful software to use”. (Balgrosky, 2020) Physicians are able to carry their mobile devices

with them and have access to a patient’s records in an instant. Not only are our medical

providers using this technology in the hospital, but they also can be contacted for consultations

on their mobile phones.

With technology at our fingertips, communication is getting an upgrade. Mobile devices have

the ability to store an incredible amount of data that can be recalled at a moments notice. The

possibilities are endless when it comes to mobile communication and mobile devices.
Another huge source of data is the imaging technology being used in the hospital everyday.

Imaging technology includes MRIs, x-rays, CT scans, and digital photography. (Balgrosky, 2020)

With the help of imaging technology, physicians have access to test results almost immediately.

However, images take up much more storage space which requires a completely different

program to use. Technology has made it possible for a doctor “100 miles distant to read an

image…without having to touch the patient”. (Balgrosky, 2020)

As imaging technology continues to evolve, it is important that we keep up to date. Some

things to look forward to in the near future include: artificial intelligence, augmented reality,

three-dimensional printing, and digital twin technology. Artificial intelligence can help to

position and MRI machine in a position to get the best image. Surgeons can use augmented

reality to practice procedures. Physicians can use three-dimensional imaging and printing

technology to better visualize the anatomy of a person. Digital twin technology can create a

virtual copy of an organ that can be used to plan or explain procedures. (Shah, 2019)

As you can see here, we are currently utilizing some major sources of data in the healthcare

industry. However, these technologies are forever changing and it is important that we

continue to evolve as well. As you take a look at the systems we currently have in place, keep

in mind that each and every one of them has made the patient experience better. It is

important to also note that these systems have eased the workload on many physicians

currently working at Braveheart.

Having the ability to access records, images and test results at a moments notice has been one

of the best improvements we have seen in the medical field. Not only does it save time, but it

is much more accurate than the paper records of past decades.

If you are interested in hearing more about the sources I have included here, please feel free to

contact me. My email address is n.savinda@setonhill.edu.

References
Balgrosky, Jean A. (2020) Understanding Health Information Systems for the Health
Professions. Jones & Bartlett. Burlington, MA.

Use of Electronic Health Records. (2016) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Retrieved
from: https://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/nhqrdr/chartbooks/carecoordination/
measure5.html 

Shah, Siddharth. (October 16, 2019) Top 4 Technologies in Medical Imaging. Imaging

Technology News. Retrieved from: https://www.itnonline.com/article/top-4-technologies-
medical-imaging 
Ventola, C. Lee. (2014) Mobile Devices and Apps for Health Care Professionals: Uses and
Benefits. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from:
What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)? (n.d.) Health IT. Retrieved
from: https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr