Technological Innovations in Emergency Department Services

Abstract

Technology has brought various innovations on how healthcare providers acquire information, work, and communicate. These innovations are most common in the emergency department. Among the important innovations in the emergency department, imaging methods and diagnostic tests are now performed at the bedside. The main purpose of bedside imaging methods and diagnostic tests is to achieve rapid results and initiate appropriate treatment in a short time. Technological development provides fast access to diagnostic tests and rapid results as well as facilitates access to specialist physicians. Patients’ data can be transmitted to advanced centers by telemedicine application, and consultation services can be obtained. Bedside consultation is also possible, thanks to the telemedicine application supported by robotic technology. Biosensors, mobile applications, technological products used in patient registration and follow-up process, and voice response systems used in patient monitoring after discharge are among other technological innovations used in emergency departments. All these tools and systems provide many facilities for emergency service delivery. However, reasons such as being expensive, not supervised by medical professionals, and time-consuming limit their use. While technological developments are increasing continuously, to ensure the same development in emergency departments, scientific studies with a high value of evidence are needed in this field.

Keywords

• digitalization
• emergency department
• innovation
• technology