Joint Commission alert: Technology is not the solution to everything

With so many obvious problems in healthcare today, it's tempting to think that there is some panacea for the healthcare industry--perhaps health IT? But the Joint Commission has issued an alert warning us against thinking of technology that way.

The Joint Commission notes that while technology may assist, it can also cause problems. In fact, while there are studies out there showing benefits from technology when applied well, there is very little information about what happens when technology is applied incorrectly, or used without training.

The alert also recommends using the Joint Commission's own Information Management accreditation standards when applying technology. It advises an immediate response when technology becomes counterproductive.

To learn more about the alert:
- read this Joint Commission press release [1]

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Joint Commission says hospitals lag on key quality measures [3]
Joint Commission issues warning on child med errors [4]
Joint Commission says hospital quality improving [5]