Image Source

Technological advancements have opened new horizons in the healthcare sector, resulting in reduced costs with increased service delivery.

At present, it is easier to access patients’ medical records, take medical consultations, and conduct health-related discussions.

Technology allows the integration of many new insights in the healthcare sector, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc. We cannot imagine the survival of healthcare services without digital aid and tools.

To help serve patients better and stay relevant, it is essential to understand how technology upgrades the healthcare infrastructure.

Here are some ways technology has transformed the landscape of the healthcare industry

1. Ease of Communication

The majority of people rely on the internet to seek information about health-related risks and treatments before visiting any doctor

With the rise of mobile applications and internet usage, patients have switched to digital mode of consultation, namely telemedicine, instead of traditional medical checkups. They either use technology to fix appointments for physical visits or opt for online consultation

Technology has made people’s lives easier as they don’t have to wait in queues for their medical checkups and diagnosis.

Digital platforms have also changed the communication methods among medical staff. With the help of digital tools, physicians share information across the world without facing any delay

2. Enhanced Educational Opportunities

It is possible to get medical education and train remotely through technology. Now healthcare providers can expand their skills and gain new insights into the industry by earning an advanced educational degree online while working a full-time job.

For instance, registering for an online MPH program allows candidates to play a vital role in improving public policies and research regarding health

The ease of access to education has opened avenues of success for healthcare staff located in far-flung areas and secluded regions worldwide.

3. Relieving Pain through Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has made patients’ lives easier by contributing to pain management. Patients who suffer from pain caused by severe health ailments such as cardiac, neurological, gastrointestinal, and post surgeries can get distracted through virtual reality.

Surgeons are also receiving benefits of virtual reality by getting training to practice operations through using this technology

4. Improvement of Service Delivery through Digital Devices

Healthcare devices, including trackers, sensors, wearables, are a source of comfort for patients by empowering them to manage their health effectively.

There is a solution for everything. Patients can monitor their heartbeat, hypertension, blood sugar levels, and stress levels. For example, one such device, MiniMed 670G, enables diabetic patients to regulate insulin intake when needed.

Similarly, the Viatom CheckMe Pro can measure heart rate, ECG, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, body temperature, etc.

Some digital tools are also effective in tracking sleeping patterns and weight loss journeys, thus helping patients improve their overall health and lifestyle.

These devices improve the service of care delivery by allowing patients to share the tracking record or results with physicians remotely.

5. Technological Aided Medical Diagnosis and Treatments

With the help of technology, medical professionals are making better and more well-informed decisions during diagnosis and treatments.

Computer-aided results guide them to suggest the most effective and suitable patient remedies. For example, x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and mammograms improve the decision-making process, allowing early treatment.

Google DeepMind has created a tool based on artificial intelligence to identify and analyze breast cancer. It is highly effective in diagnosis as it outperformed all radiologists on average by 11%.

6. Increased Access to DNA Sequencing

After completing the Human Genome Project, the DNA sequencing cost has reduced dramatically to $1,000.

Thus, providing more access to DNA sequencing and enhanced treatment options for inherited diseases. It can provide valuable data regarding drug sensitivity and monogenic or multifactorial medical conditions.

Some fields are already leveraging the benefits of genome sequencing. For instance, nutrigenomics is an interdisciplinary field of genomics, nutrition, and dietetics.

Moreover, a startup based in California, Habit, is offering personalized diets based on genetic codes

7. Contributions of Health Informatics

The quality of medical care and health infrastructure has improved drastically after developing health informatics.

Now the medical history of patients is readily accessible to physicians due to the management of electronic data systems.

Data-driven decisions have paved the way for upscaling healthcare services while filling the gap in service delivery and optimizing medical procedures.

Moreover, this emerging field based on a combination of health and information communication technology (ICT) has led to the invention of digital tools.

8. Reduced Risk and Recovery Time

Technology contributed towards the improvement of medical procedures and treatment plans. Patients don’t have to undergo painful procedures, face safety risks and prolonged recovery time.

Modern medical techniques are less invasive and cause fewer safety concerns. For instance, laser technology has significantly decreased the healing period from several weeks to a few days.

Similarly, it has also made it possible to treat sensitive parts of the body such as the brain and eyes without cutting into them.

9. Rise of Robotics and Nanotechnology

Technological advancement has resulted in the rise of surgical robots and nano-devices. Apart from surgical robots, exoskeletons or disinfectant robots also change the healthcare sector.

Robot companions are increasingly becoming popular in recent years. They help tackle mental health challenges, deal with loneliness and treat chronic health issues.

For instance, Jibo, Paro, Pepper, and Buddy are all robots improving the dynamics of health services.

Nano-devices can reach previously inaccessible areas of the body, including the eye’s surface and the bloodstream. Nanotechnology is making a difference in the field of intelligent patches

Grapheal has illustrated its smart patch to monitor wounds and even stimulate wound healing.

Final Thoughts

The healthcare industry adopted technology relatively slowly in comparison to other sectors. Strict regulations, the sensitivity of medical information, and safety concerns are primary factors contributing to this pace.

However, with an increased burden on the healthcare system, the integration of technology in providing medical facilities has become inevitable. Patients have no extended period to spend making appointments and visiting medical facilities for regular checkups.

They need fast and reliable alternatives that technology has provided them.

The future of the healthcare sector relies heavily on technology.

The medical staff must acknowledge and learn the emerging healthcare trends and technologies to stay ahead in their respective fields.