The healthcare system is one of the areas that has benefited from technology. And with modern technology, the healthcare system is transforming even faster. From the computerization of doctor’s offices to the digitization of healthcare records, medical professionals are experiencing therapeutic results with these advancements. Technology is not only improving healthcare delivery but also the quality of care being delivered. Here are some of the ways technology is upgrading healthcare:
1. Electronic Medical Records
Electronic medical records have rapidly become a central component of healthcare delivery. It helps in the tracking of treatment plans and monitoring for any adverse reactions to drugs. An electronic medical record makes coordinating care between doctors’ offices and hospitals easier.
In addition, it helps transmit lab results from one doctor’s office to another without having to be physically present in a doctor’s office or hospital. No longer are information clerks and receptionists of a doctor’s office required to keep track and file away all the information they receive from patients. Often, this type of work would create several hours of paperwork, creating long wait times for patients seeking care. With electronic medical records, however, it takes seconds for a patient’s record to be pulled up on a screen, eliminating long wait times for patients.
2. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a technology that allows the use of digital technologies such as telephones, e-mail, and faxes to treat patients through their doctor. This technology has been rapidly implemented in the healthcare system in recent years. Doctors can now conduct medical procedures remotely, meaning there is less physical travel for doctors and patients. Patients can even receive care from doctors in other countries if they choose. The availability and affordability of technology have allowed for a global market for telemedicine, which benefits patients and doctors alike.
3. Healthcare Trackers
The increased fitness trackers in the healthcare market help people monitor their daily activities to encourage them to be more physically active. These devices track and graph data such as steps taken, calories burned, sleep quality, and heart rate. This information is useful for those trying to lose weight or get into shape.
With a remote patient monitoring system, healthcare professionals can monitor a patient’s health from a central location. This allows for remote access to patients, who are more likely to adhere to their prescribed treatments. These devices are also helpful for elderly patients and those who live alone, ensuring they receive proper care at all times.
4. Artificial Intelligence Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that uses algorithms that analyze data and create answers to questions without human interaction. AI assists with decision-making and helps healthcare professionals choose the best course of action. AI can also help predict results and outcomes, allowing doctors to spend less time determining why a patient fell ill.
5. 3D Printing
Another modern technology used in the healthcare industry is 3D printing. 3D printers create three-dimensional objects using a machine that builds the object layer by layer. Doctors can now create exact replicas of body parts from scans, allowing them to practice surgeries or create prosthetics quickly.
This technology can help save the lives of those who have suffered traumatic injuries. A victim of an accident or gunshot wound can receive care immediately with replacement body parts made from 3D printers if needed.
6. Virtual Reality
VR technology uses computer graphics to create a simulated environment that imitates the real world. This allows healthcare professionals to practice procedures without leaving their offices. With VR, patients can feel as if they are walking through a virtual environment and can interact with characters in a virtual room. In addition, this technology offers physicians multiple treatment options at one time, decreasing administrative time and making surgery more efficient.
7. Medical Tricorder
This device helps doctors to collect data from a patient, analyze the data, and transmit this information to a remote location. It allows healthcare professionals to focus on caring for patients rather than spending time collecting and analyzing data on paper. Additionally, these devices can track patients’ vital signs and transmit them to other medical professionals.
8. Revolutionizing Drug Development
Drug developers can now isolate active compounds from chemicals and search for ones that will produce desired effects without harmful side effects. This technology allows pharmaceutical companies to speed up the process of drug development, increasing the quality and efficacy of new drugs.
Conclusion
Technology is transforming healthcare, making it easier for healthcare professionals to provide care while saving time and money. Technology has also made it possible to deliver more customized healthcare to patients’ needs. And as technology evolves, it will only improve the healthcare industry and make it more efficient.