Introduction
The extraordinary development of healthcare from the beginning to the present has been fueled by a desire to address the demands of the community it serves. In the past, the Greeks attributed illness and famine to the displeasure of the gods or the discontent of the populace. Hospitals were built to care for people who were really ill, and medical procedures improved over time. This represented a fundamental change in the way healthcare was approached since it acknowledged the necessity for specialized facilities and qualified staff.
Main Body
The establishment of the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1847 was pivotal in regulating medical practice. The AMA sought to improve health standards in medical education, advance the study of science, and establish medical ethics. This organization played a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare providers adhered to a set standard of care, which could be translated across different facilities. Similarly, the founding of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in 1913 aimed to enhance patient care through better surgical education and practice (Lone et al., 2019). These organizations helped shape the healthcare landscape by setting guidelines and regulations that ensured the safety and well-being of patients.
With the expansion of healthcare options, such as emergency departments, specialty doctors, clinics, and long-term care facilities, the need for electronic health records (EHRs) became apparent. EHRs allow for the sharing of protected health information between providers and facilities, facilitating better coordination of care (Koren & Prasad, 2022). The Mayo Clinic, in the 1960s, developed its own EHR system known as the Problem-Oriented Medical Records (POMR). This system served as the foundation for modern EHRs, as it focused on creating a comprehensive medical history for each patient and providing a platform for ongoing information collection and treatment planning. The development of the Problem-Oriented Medical Records (POMR) system by the Mayo Clinic in the 1960s laid the groundwork for modern EHRs, enabling comprehensive medical histories and improved treatment planning.
The biblical integration in this discussion post can be found in 2 Chronicles 16:12, which recounts the story of King Asa’s illness. Despite his severe disease, King Asa only sought help from physicians and did not seek assistance from the Lord (2 Chronicles 16 (NIV), n.d.). This verse serves as a reminder that while physicians and healthcare providers play a crucial role in healing, ultimately, the Almighty Healer holds the ultimate power. It emphasizes the importance of seeking both medical and spiritual guidance in times of illness. The biblical integration in this discussion post highlights the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, where medical treatment and spiritual support go hand in hand. It reminds us that while modern medicine can provide healing, it is essential to rely on faith and seek guidance from a higher power for complete well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the transformation of healthcare from ancient times to the present day is a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for improved care. The establishment of organizations like the AMA and ACS has played a critical role in regulating medical practice and ensuring the provision of safe and effective healthcare. The development of EHRs, inspired by the early POMR system, has revolutionized how patient information is shared and utilized. Ultimately, while healthcare continues to evolve and advance, it is essential to remember the integration of both medical and spiritual guidance in the pursuit of healing and well-being.
References
2 Chronicles 16 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Web.
Koren, A., & Prasad, R. (2022). Standardization of third-party data in electronic health records. 2022 25th International Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC). Web.
Lone, Z., Hall, S., Taguchi, T., Ahmed, Y., Elsayed, A. S., Aldhaam, N. A., May, P., Miller, A., Jing, Z., Bragayrac, L. N., Khan, H. A., Cohen, J., Cole, A., Rana, O., Kanapan, R., Prechtl, C., & Hussein, A. A. (2019). Accuracy of American College of Surgeons national surgical quality improvement program universal surgical risk calculator in predicting complications following robot-assisted radical cystectomy at a National Comprehensive Cancer Center. Journal of Endourology, 33(5), 383–388. Web.