As technology continues to advance, it will revolutionize the way we operate and expect care in the world. Think about a time before the internet and your iPhone. You had to plan out directions beforehand and write them down because you didn’t have a GPS. Or you couldn’t google search “the best doctor in my area.” Let’s face it: life was much harder and things took more time.
Many systems now operate better and rely on technology to function well. This trend will only continue to grow and has huge potential in the healthcare industry. As many healthcare facilities see thousands of patients per day, technology will help keep things organized and improve the patient-provider relationship. Here are six specific ways it will impact healthcare for the better
Increase Accessibility Of Healthcare
We have already seen the growth of telehealth in 2020. With Covid-19 becoming a threat, healthcare facilities had to find a way to provide services more remotely. Although telehealth has been around for some time, it has been more accepted this past year. Overall, a patient can get a visit much quicker via telehealth.
For general questions or follow-up visits that were already previously taken care of in-person, telehealth is the perfect answer. Not only that, but new technologies involving XR, provide apps and immersive tech to give patients healthcare from the comfort of their own homes. Technologies like this can include exercise, PT, or a doctor’s advice.
Also read: Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare: How it is Changing the Industry
More Communication
Sometimes in places like hospitals, the staff sees so many patients a day they don’t have enough time to thoroughly explain things to the patient. This is where technology comes in to improve the patient experience. The patient could use technology from the comfort of their own hospital room to access information, resources, and even call a nurse.
Smart features in a hospital room could also be helpful if the patient can’t get up and needs to change the lighting, close the blinds, or for entertainment. After all, let’s face it… a hospital room can certainly be more than a little bit boring for the patients who are recovering there!
AI For Care
AI can be used for things like temperature readings or asking how the patient is feeling. Filling in the gaps before a nurse or doctor arrives. There are already artificial intelligence (AI) platforms that take temperature readings if someone stands in front of it. The possibilities are endless, and AI can perform these tedious tasks, and maybe eventually take blood pressure.
Another big space for AI is through predictive analysis and data reading. AI can perform a reading of patient history, look at the symptoms and predict what is going to happen with their health in the future. This can help clinicians be more effective with their treatment plans.
During Surgery And Delicate Procedures
How great would 3D visualization be for a surgeon performing a serious operation? Technology like augmented reality could help a surgeon visualize the anatomy of a patient so mistakes are greatly reduced. Other technologies like 3D printing could help in pre-operative procedures and practice before the real thing. This could provide a close alternative to the real patient’s anatomy and body. Students and doctors alike can practice and benefit greatly.
Education Programs
Doctors go through the most rigorous schooling programs than nearly any other career. Once they finally finish school, they have to do residency and get real hands-on experience. This learning process can be improved by the continuous implementation of technology in healthcare practices. Things like digital apps, video games, simulations, and wearable devices can all help improve the learning process. Students can learn at home without being in rotations too with the help of technology.
Also read: Best 10 Healthcare Analytics Companies in the World
Rehabilitation
Many patients lose their motivation when performing activities. Many times there is a trauma aspect to some cases. For example, if there was a recent car accident or they lost some function it will be difficult to accept it. VR-based rehab can simulate a walk on the beach or stimulate parts of the brain that manages pain.
Putting the patient through these programs early on can help them with their functions. Additionally, if they need to gain nerve function in a specific part of their body, then they can use a robot arm to play games or another motorized object to help with rehab. And with these six technological breakthroughs leading the way, the future of healthcare is looking brighter and better every day!
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