Technology has completely revolutionized the way the healthcare industry works. Patients are now given access to the best diagnostic equipment, minimally invasive procedures and modern treatment plans that results in faster healing and less pain.
Patients can now opt for remote consultations with physicians and specialist resulting in customized and targeted treatment plans. Moreover, the availability of intuitive apps has resulted in improved care for patients and overall enhanced healthcare experience. Further, with the advent of new technologies, patients get better outcomes and improved quality of life in general.
Here are a few ways how technology is changing the healthcare sector:
Digitization of Health Records
With technology advancing, the bulky paper files are becoming obsolete while the digital records have now taken over. The data is uploaded safely on cloud based system making it easier to access remotely by healthcare providers and patients. This way, it has become efficient and easier to save, store, manager and transmit data.
The digitalization of health records has made it easier for patients and healthcare experts to access clinical decision. This enables them to make informed decisions. Moreover, the digitization of health records makes information accessible in remote areas improving the overall efficacy. With digitalization, the healthcare sector has been able to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve outcomes for patients.
Mobile Apps
Patients not only have access to accurate medical information fast via their smartphones. These apps help in keeping a track of doctor's appointments, and push reminders regarding medications. Today, health and fitness apps are enabling people to lead a healthy life by monitoring fitness levels and design custom solutions.
The applications are also helping physicians with their strenuous jobs by minimizing the time spent on tasks, maintaining records and filing paperwork. Moreover, you can also access information regarding drugs, side effects, interaction, etc. improving your overall diagnosis. Today, doctors can communicate with the patients directly, record and monitor vitals, maintain logs, and get improved procedural efficiency.
Big Data and the Cloud Computing
In the various industries in the healthcare sector, the big data is the new buzzword. Primarily, big data is the collection of data in bulk across generations through a variety of sources. The big data is now an integral part of the healthcare sector commonly used for making predictions regarding epidemics, analytics and preventing untimely deaths.
On the other hand, cloud storage aids in improving efficiency and accessibility reducing wastage. It also aids in research and development of new life saving protocols, treatments and pharmaceutical. In reality, cloud computing can be valuable for medical research enabling efficient health information exchange. Today, cloud computing offers cost effective storage that is extremely secure. Healthcare facilities can now opt for cloud computing eliminating the need for physical server hardware.
Improved Patient Care
Technology has resulted in various tools that have resulted in improved patient care. EHRS are easily accessible to healthcare professionals enabling them to access the medical records of patients making strategic medical decisions accurate and precise. Doctors can now easily identify medical errs and derive quick solution.
RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology helps in providing information regarding the vital signs of patients. It helps in tracking of location, identification and communication in real time. Moreover, the other way technology has improved patient care is 3D printing. Healthcare sectors are now printing dental devices, prosthetics, hearing aids and more according to patient's individual needs.
Virtual reality apps and devices ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients suffering from mental ailments and can also assist with postoperative recoveries. With augmented reality, surgeons can perform critical operations. Moreover, it also helps in improving fitness outcomes in patients. With procedures like robotic knee replacement and cancer treatment via gene therapy. It is clear that technology in the healthcare sector will grow in the times to come.
Telemedicine/Telehealth
Telemedicine has digitalized healthcare by enabling patient consult healthcare professionals stationed anywhere in the world. The technology helps in overcoming barriers and facilitating critical care in complex situations saving precious lives.
Telemedicine has now made it easier for patients to make use of telemedical devices making home care accessible. This is supported using video telephony and other similar applications. In telemedicine, patients can leverage from store and forward feature transmitting biosignals, data and medical images ensuring synchronous consultations. This can reduce the waiting time for patients speeding the delivery of effective treatment plan.
Telemedicine makes it easier to monitor healthcare professionals enabling them to manage chronic conditions efficiently and economically with different apps and devices. Further, interactions in real time make it very easy to connect with physicians electronically. With facility like video conferencing, diagnosis, counselling, management and monitoring is easier.
Conclusion
In some parts of the world, technology is adopted rampantly in contrast to other underdeveloped nation. Developed nations are using technology to amp and improve patient care, but with time others are also catching pace. Those healthcare professionals who have not adopted technology as of yet are realizing the potential of this untapped market. Reduced cost, improved efficiency and quality of care are a few benefits.