Digi Society
Personal experiences with digitalization in my field
I am currently working in home care. When I started in healthcare in 2010, we still used paper calendars and paper-based patient files, although there were already digital patient information systems in use on computers. I clearly remember the transition to fully digital calendars. At first, this change was met with resistance from staff, as making entries was considered slow: one had to open the computer, log in, and only then could make an entry. Initially, the electronic calendar was also printed out every morning so it would be visible during the day. Over time, staff adapted to this change as well, and paper calendars were no longer used.
As digitalization has progressed, more assessments, such as RAI and CERAD, are now completed digitally. These are entered directly into the system, and paper forms no longer need to be stored. I believe that this way, information is better preserved, and data security is improved compared to the earlier paper-based methods.
Current patient information systems now remind healthcare staff about necessary regular follow-ups, such as blood tests, based on a patient’s medication or diagnosis. The systems also alert staff about potential medication interactions. This is a great aid in daily work and supports patient safety.
Future prospects
I believe that in the future, artificial intelligence will be used even more in healthcare. For example, AI could provide significant support for physicians in interpreting X-rays. However, it is important to remember that AI is not infallible; ultimate responsibility must always remain with humans. It is also important to be aware that AI can be deliberately fed false information, which is why facts must always be carefully verified.
Another challenge is cyberattacks. If a serious cyberattack were to target Finland, our healthcare system would be in crisis, as all patient records are now online. We should proactively prepare for such scenarios.
GDPR and perspective from my work
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) significantly impacts my work. In home care, we must always remember that anything we write in the patient information system is available to the patient. The patient can request to see all notes concerning them. This requires us to document everything appropriately, accurately, and neutrally.
GDPR also reminds us that patient information must not be shared unnecessarily. For example, we cannot discuss a patient’s information in public spaces or send sensitive information through unsecured email. We use secure email at work and always verify the correct recipient. GDPR has led to a more conscious and responsible attitude towards handling patient data. All of us at work have also signed a confidentiality agreement.
Artificial Intelligence
I have become familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) during my studies. AI is a helpful tool, but it must be used critically. One must recognize that AI’s information is not always factual and must be verified through reliable sources. I asked AI whether the things I wrote to it are private. The response was that anonymity is maintained and that the text cannot be linked to me personally. Nevertheless, it is important to remember not to provide AI with sensitive or confidential information.
I also tested ChatGPT with questions related to the future of healthcare and the challenges in home care. I was positively surprised by how reasonable and useful the answers were. AI was able to highlight current trends and recognize everyday work challenges. However, it is important to remember that AI still cannot evaluate context as well as a human and cannot replace professional judgment.
Remote connections and technology use in home care
The use of remote connections in home care has increased significantly. Today, it is possible to conduct part of the visits via video connection. This is cost-effective and can save time, but on the other hand, face-to-face interaction is extremely important for elderly clients. It is unfortunate if remote care replaces in-person visits too much.
Especially for clients with dementia, robotic pets have brought joy and stimulation. I see this as a good addition to services, but a robot can never fully replace genuine human interaction. A good balance between technology and human-provided care is essential.
Remote services are particularly suitable for situations where a physical visit is not necessary but the client’s condition still needs to be checked. It is important that remote care is used based on client needs, not just for cost-saving purposes.
Risks in an open digital society
The possibility of a cyberattack is a real risk in today’s digital society. Healthcare systems are vulnerable to attacks, and a successful cyberattack could cripple critical services.
Through this assignment, I have gained a better understanding of how important it is to keep systems updated and to maintain security patches. Additionally, it is essential to continuously train staff on cybersecurity — for example, how to recognize phishing emails and avoid clicking harmful links.
We must also prepare for situations where digital services are not available. It is important to maintain basic information and practices in a way that allows care to continue even if systems are down.
Self-evaluation
Through this assignment, I now better understand both the risks and opportunities that digitalization brings to healthcare. The threat of cyberattacks became more concrete: our healthcare system is vulnerable, and preparing for possible emergencies is very important.
I also learned more about the use of AI and its potential to support everyday work. AI can speed up information retrieval and help process large amounts of data, but it must be used critically and responsibly.
Overall, this assignment provided much food for thought and motivated me to further develop my skills in digital security and digital tools.
My Comments:
Tiina Ukkonen
Aunt Hanna’s site
Leave a Reply