Digital Society III Final Exam

Flashcards include all terms and topics seen over the third semester of the IB Digital Society course.

electronic health records

A comprehensive digital record of a patient's health history, shared across multiple healthcare providers.

electronic medical records

Digital versions of paper charts, typically used within a single healthcare organization

Networks needed to share data across hospitals and clinics

Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)

Requirements for EHRs and EMRs

EHR systems, secure servers, databases, specialized healthcare software, and data processing hardware.

Advantages of electronic records

Patient data is stored digitally for easy access, analysis, and sharing across different healthcare systems

What went wrong in the Therac-25 incident?

Software, hardware design, and operational mismanagement caused fatal radiation overdoses in patients.

What were the ethical considerations and/or mishaps made due to the Therac-25’s malfunction?

Analysis of human error, software malfunction, inadequate testing, and responsibility in medical technology deployment.

Telemedicine

the use of telecommunication technology to provide healthcare services remotely

How are people accessing telemedicine?

video conferencing, messaging, and mobile health apps

What are some services that can be offered via telemedicine?

Remote diagnosis, monitoring, consultations, and treatment through telecommunications.

What type of hardware is required for telemedicine?

Computers, cameras, microphones, specialized medical devices (e.g., digital stethoscopes), and network hardware.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

a high-speed internet connection that transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines. Moderate speeds via phone lines, widely available.

Fiber optic connection

Ultra-fast and reliable but limited reach.

Cable

Fast speeds, shared with TV, may slow at peak times.

Satellite

Available anywhere, slower, weather-affected

Cyberchondria

the phenomenon where individuals excessively search online for health information, leading to increased anxiety and often unfounded health concerns

What is RFID?

a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, often used in industries like inventory management and security for tracking items and data.

How is RFID used in healthcare?

to track medical equipment, monitor patient locations, manage inventory, and ensure medication accuracy by scanning tags, enhancing efficiency, and patient safety.

How is RFID used in retail (specifically for inventories)?

Quick, real-time stock tracking, reducing manual counts.

How is RFID used in a supply chain?

Monitors shipment location/status, minimizes losses.

How is RFID used for access control?

Secures facilities with RFID ID badges.

How is RFID used for hospital asset tracking?

Locates medical equipment, prevents loss.

How is RFID used for contactless payments?

Fast, secure payments in stores/transit.

First step in RFID

Tag activation - RFID tag (chip and antenna) attaches to an item, remaining inactive until it detects a signal

Second step in RFID

Reader transmission - RFID reader antenna sends an RF signal, powering passive tags.

Third step in RFID

Tag response - Tag antenna captures the signal, and the chip sends back its unique data.

4th step in RFID

Data decoding - Reader’s transceiver decodes the tag’s data

5th step in RFID

Data transfer - Reader sends decoded info to a connected database, updating the item’s status.

What’s the difference between ADSL asymmetric and SDSL symmetric?

ADSL offers higher download speeds than upload speeds, while SDSL provides equal bandwidth for both.

What’s the difference between a modem & a router?

A modem connects your home to the internet, while a router distributes that internet connection to multiple devices within your home network.

PAN

personal area network - covers a small area, like a room

LAN

local area network - spans a home or building

WAN

wide area network - connects multiple LANs over large geographic distances

Software associated to EMR

Programs managing patient health data

Hardware associated to EMR

Devices storing and processing records