History, technological advancements have appeared for one purpose before finding applications
elsewhere that lead to spikes in its usage and development. The internet, for example, was originally
developed to share research before becoming a staple of work and entertainment. But technology—new and
repurposed—will undoubtedly continue to be a driver of healthcare information. Informaticists often stay tuned
to trends to monitor what the next new technology will be or how the next new idea for applying existing
technology can benefit outcomes.
In this Discussion, you will reflect on your healthcare organization’s use of technology and offer a technology
trend you observe in your environment.

• Reflect on the Resources related to digital information tools and technologies.
• Consider your healthcare organization’s use of healthcare technologies to manage and distribute information.
• Reflect on current and potential future trends, such as use of social media and mobile applications/telehealth,
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled asset tracking, or expert systems/artificial intelligence, and how they may
impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

Post a brief description of general healthcare technology trends, particularly related to data/information you
have observed in use in your healthcare organization or nursing practice. Describe any potential challenges or
risks that may be inherent in the technologies associated with these trends you described. Then, describe at
least one potential benefit and one potential risk associated with data safety, legislation, and patient care for
the technologies you described. Next, explain which healthcare technology trends you believe are most
promising for impacting healthcare technology in nursing practice and explain why. Describe whether this
promise will contribute to improvements in patient care outcomes, efficiencies, or data management. Be
specific and provide examples