TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Diagnostic technologies X-Rays looks through tissues to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects. CT (Computed Tomography) scan creates a 3-D image which can be split into individual slices. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan builds a 2-D or 3-D map of the different tissue types within the body. (University of the West of England, 2009)

Diagnostic technologies Ultrasound Well known for its use in obstetrics and gynaecology. Also used to check circulation and examine the heart Angiography Used to investigate blood vessels (University of the West of England, 2009)

Operative Technologies PoleStar® iMRI Navigation Suite Used in conjunction with MRI scan for tumor removal O-ARM® Imaging System Used in spine and orthopaedic surgery (Medtronic, 2006)

Life Support Technologies Ventilators Are machines that push oxygenated, humidified, and warmed air into the lungs. Cardiac Pacemakers Releases electrical shockwave to allow the heart to be at a normal rhythm. Heart-Lung Bypass Machine Used to maintain patient’s heart while undergoing a treatment. (Iserson, 2007)

Life Support Technologies Dialysis Artificial Kidney System used to keep patients alive. Gastrostomyn tubes Provide patients with artificial nutrition and hydration, essentially medically instilled supplements, to keep them alive. (Iserson, 2007)

Care Planning Technologies Care Log+ uses handheld computers or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) for the Carers to record resident data, such as assessment needs, resident evaluations, care plan management, health and safety (Easylog, 2004). Mobile NurseTM Uses handheld computers technology to provide a computerised care plan facility (PDA Cortex, 2004).

Care Planning Technologies Impetus Care Planner Another computerised care plan system that uses a care plan dictionary for reuse and also provides a facility for risk assessment, patient history, observations and Care plans due / or overdue for evaluation (Impetus Business Systems, 2004). CSW Case Notes Used in nursing and social services, and has the following features such as care planning, clinical assessment and electronic communication (E-health, 2009).

Security Technologies CCTV Small cameras positioned within the building. Personal distress alarms Alarm used to call for help. ID cards Identification badge to be worn by staff Swipe cards Used to open doors to designated personnel. Door locks Fitted for doors to lock themselves automatically when shut Access control Entering a code to gain access

References Medtronic (2006). Medtronic Navigation's Intra- operative Imaging Technologies [Online]. Available at: Accessed 16/03/09. University of the West of England (2009). Radiography [Online]. Available at: Accessed 16/03/09 Accessed 16/03/09. Accessed 16/03/09 Iserson (2007). Life Support System [Online]. Available at: Accessed 16/03/09.

References Easylog. (2004). [Online]. Available at: Accessed 24 December PDA Cortex. (2004) Implementation of Mobile Computing System in Clinical Environment: MobileNurse. [Online]. Available at: Accessed 24 December Impetus Business Systems. (2004) Care Planning and Resident Administration. [Online]. Available at: Accessed 24 December, 2004.

References EHealth (2009). New CSW Case Notes website goes live. [Online]. Available at: Accessed 16/03/09.