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Computers, more specifically Internet websites, have become a staple in patient
assistance. The Internet serves as a resource where people can look up common
symptoms before coming into a doctor's office. Instead of making a doctor's
appointment for slight symptoms, patients are able to better understand the problem
through their own basic Internet research. Additionally, patients are able to use the
Internet in conjunction with information from the doctor. For example, once
receiving a diagnosis, a patient can research treatment options and different medicines
on the Internet. Doing their own research on the web allows patients to make a well-
informed, independent decision.

Patient Monitoring

When walking into a hospital room, the abundance of machines is quite often the
first thing people notice. The machines used for admitted patients are computers that
can monitor vital signs through specialized computer software. The computers are
able to detect and record changes in the following:

 Blood pressure
 Pulse
 Oxygen Levels

The monitors and computer software systems can help regulate fluctuations in the
body. Additionally, the computers are often programmed to alert nurses and doctors
of fluctuations that present a danger to the patient's health. If the statistics monitored
on the screen vary too drastically, the patient is at risk and may need assistance only
the doctor can provide. These software systems allow doctors to monitor more
patients without being physically present when it's not necessary.

Universal Hospital Services provides patient equipment found in hospitals. These
machines provide constant monitoring through the use of Apnea monitors detect
pauses in breathing and prevent oxygen desaturation. Blood pressure monitors keep
track of systolic and diastolic numbers, which keep track of the pressure in the arteries
when the heart beats and between heartbeats, respectively. Other machines are not as
simplistic and require more complex monitoring software. For example, EKG
machines check for problems with the electrical activity in a patient's heart and
translates this activity onto a screen with waves comprised of spikes and dips.

Communication

Primarily, the Internet provides the patients, doctors, and nurses with quicker
communication. This way, the three can communicate from greater distances at the
same speed as if they were together. Online medical forums allow the practitioners to
discuss particular portions of a medical scenario and to come up with timely
conclusions. Furthermore, Electronic Medical Records are believed by clinicians to
have instigated a greater amount of communication with patients is multiple ways.

Edition
E-Bridge 4 th