Study Set Content:
is the practical application of knowledge.
Technology
is the practical application of knowledge to improve or maintain individual and
population health.
Health technology
Three ways to describe health technology include its
Physical nature
purpose
stage of diffusion
Physical nature:
drugs
biologics
devices, equipment and supplies
medical and surgical procedures
public health programs
support systems
organizational and managerial systems
aspirin, beta-blockers, antibiotics, cancer chemotherapy
Drugs
vaccines, blood products, cellular and gene therapies
Biologics
cardiac pacemaker, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
scanner, surgical gloves, diagnostic test kits, mosquito netting
Devices, equipment and supplies
acupuncture, nutrition counseling, psychotherapy, coronary
angiography, gall bladder removal, bariatric surgery, cesarean section
Medical and surgical procedures
water purification system, immunization program, smoking
prevention program
Public health programs
clinical laboratory, blood bank, electronic health record system,
telemedicine systems, drug formulary,
Support systems
medication adherence program, prospective
payment using diagnosis-related groups, alternative health care delivery configurations
Organizational and managerial systems:
Purpose:
Prevention, screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Palliation
protect against disease by preventing it from occurring, reducing the risk of its
occurrence, or limiting its extent or sequelae (e.g., immunization, hospital infection control
program, fluoridated water supply)
Prevention
detect a disease, abnormality, or associated risk factors in asymptomatic people (e.g.,
Pap smear, tuberculin test, screening mammography, serum cholesterol testing)
Screening
identify the cause and nature or extent of disease in a person with clinical signs or
symptoms (e.g., electrocardiogram, serological test for typhoid, x-ray for possible broken bone)
Diagnosis
intended to improve or maintain health status or avoid further deterioration (e.g.,
antiviral therapy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, psychotherapy)
Treatment
restore, maintain or improve a physically or mentally disabled person's function
and well-being (e.g., exercise program for post-stroke patients, assistive device for severe speech
impairment, incontinence aid)
Rehabilitation
improve the quality of life of patients, particularly for relief of pain, symptoms,
discomfort, and stress of serious illness, as well as psychological, social, and spiritual problems.
(Although often provided for progressive, incurable disease, palliation can be provided at any
point in illness and with treatment, e.g., patient-controlled analgesia, medication for depression
or insomnia, caregiver support.)
Palliation
Stage of diffusion:
Future
Experimental
established
obsolete/outmoded/abandoned
in a conceptual stage, anticipated, or in the earliest stages of development
Future
