Technology and human connection in healthcare delivery

Instructions: Assume an alternative viewpoint from your classmate. Offer constructive, thought-provoking dialog to challenge your classmates position. Identify similarities and differences between your policy recommendations and your classmates. Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format. Peer one Technology is now a routine part of healthcare delivery. Government agencies and professional organizations continue to support the use of digital tools such as telehealth and electronic health records to improve access and efficiency. These tools can support care delivery when used appropriately. However, concerns remain that heavy reliance on technology may weaken the human connection that is essential to patient trust and comfort. A balanced approach that integrates both in-person care and technology may best support patient-centered outcomes. Research shows that strong patientprovider relationships are critical to effective care. Patients consistently report valuing clear communication, empathy, and trust. Kosakowski et al. (2022) found that patients emphasized the importance of feeling heard and supported, especially during complex or sensitive treatment decisions. These findings highlight the need to establish rapport early in the clinical relationship. Initial in-person visits allow clinicians to assess patient concerns more fully and observe nonverbal cues. These early encounters help build trust and set expectations for ongoing care. After rapport has been established, technology can enhance care delivery. Virtual visits, patient portals, and remote monitoring can improve follow-up and continuity of care. When used intentionally, these tools can increase convenience without reducing quality. However, technology must remain patient-centered. Semrad et al. (2024) caution that advanced healthcare technologies may contribute to disconnected care if human interaction is reduced. Technology should support clinical relationships, not replace them. Policy decisions influence how technology is used in practice. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded telehealth access while continuing to emphasize quality and patient-centered outcomes (CMS, 2023). Flexible policies allow clinicians to determine when in-person or virtual care is most appropriate. This approach supports individualized care while preserving the therapeutic relationship. When used thoughtfully, technology and human connection can coexist and strengthen healthcare delivery. Peer two Feb 4 8:14pm I love being a bedside nurse, and in my experience, the one-on-one care with my patients makes all the difference. Although the healthcare industry has significantly improved quality and safety outcomes through the integration of technology, including electronic health records, telehealth services, and clinical decision-support systems i do not think that it is better than one-on one care with my patients. These advancements enhance efficiency, reduce medical errors, and support evidence-based decision making. However, as technology becomes more embedded in clinical practice, it is important for healthcare organizations to revisit earlier care models that emphasized relationship-building through therapeutic touch and bedside communication (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2001). Human interaction remains a critical component of high-quality patient care. Bedside conversations and appropriate physical presence allow clinicians to better assess patients emotional and psychosocial needs, establish trust, and reduce anxiety. Research has shown that strong clinicianpatient relationships are associated with increased patient satisfaction, improved adherence to treatment plans, and better overall health outcomes (Beach et al., 2006). When clinicians focus primarily on documentation and technology use, opportunities for meaningful connection may be diminished, potentially impacting patient-centered care. Balancing technological innovation with compassionate care practices ensures that healthcare delivery remains holistic and patient-focused. Revisiting policies that promote bedside engagement allows technology to function as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human connection. By integrating modern technology while preserving relational aspects of care, healthcare systems can better address both clinical effectiveness and the emotional well-being of patients (IOM, 2001).