Technology has evolved drastically over the past decade. With the new way of life that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the world, it has become nothing less than necessary. In fact, in only the last two years, 90% of the entire world’s digital data were produced. That statistic alone can tell you about the impact of technology in our society, especially when most people resort to digital transactions to get what they need. Grocery shopping, banking, remote working, and learning can now be done online.
Technology has changed every aspect of the world we live in, and the healthcare field isn’t an exception. From more accessible treatments to innovative ways medical professionals are making use of technology, the way we receive healthcare is changing.
How is Technology Affecting the Way We Receive Healthcare?
Easier Communication
Most people use their smartphones to get in touch with their friends and family, read the news, and make digital transactions. Meanwhile, medical professionals use this technology to improve communication between doctors and patients. At a time when face-to-face interaction is discouraged, telemedicine has become the “new normal” way of treatment, where many patients can simply schedule an appointment with their doctors and consult with them over a phone call or even a video call.
Technology has also improved the marketing strategies of hospitals and other medical institutions that want to market their services, connect with patients, and create and maintain prospective patients’ interests.
Better and More Efficient Healthcare
Information technology has increased the quality and efficiency of healthcare by recording real-time patient data, lab results, and vital signs while compiling them into a centralized area, making it easier to access by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals that may need that information. This also benefits researchers who are constantly finding different ways to keep track of medical trends that can lead to significant breakthroughs in the medical field.
Accessible Treatment
Not everyone can make several trips to and from the hospital, but technology has solved this problem. Physicians and nurses can provide patients with diagnostic images, such as x-rays and lab tests, through healthcare apps and other channels for communication like Zoom via smartphones. Smartwatches and other wearable monitors are making it easier for patients to provide their doctors with information and vice versa, even if they’re not in the same room.
Digital Technology We Could See More of in the Future
Here are a few advances in technology that we’re bound to see more of in the future.
Telemedicine
Simply put, telemedicine is the use of technology, such as smartphones, video conferencing applications, and other gadgets or software, that allows doctors to provide their medical services to patients without any face-to-face interaction.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence or AI has been extensively applied in the medical field. This includes the use of AI for the analysis of chest radiographs and the detection of abnormal cell growth, including potential signs of cancer. It has also been used to identify metastatic breast cancer tumors. While we’re bound to see more AI in the field, it’s more likely that this technology will be used more in medicine and less in patient care.
Digital Marketing Tools
Technology not only helps the healthcare field in terms of patient care, but it also allows hospitals and other medical institutions to interact and connect with prospective and current patients. It also allows them to serve the interests of the people by offering medical services that they may need and disseminating information that can benefit public health. For instance, some medical institutions may want to raise awareness for eye care and may require an eye care public relations team to properly share information with the public. Companies in other industries are not the only ones who need a marketing and public relations team.
Health IT Systems
Health information technology or health IT consists of software that helps reduce costs and medical errors while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of medical care. The use of different kinds of software also helps automate processes and saves both patients and hospitals time and money.
Healthcare Tracking
Many smart devices, such as smartwatches and smartphones, have the option to track a person’s health. These gadgets often keep track of one’s body temperature, heart rate, and step count. Medical professionals can better provide an initial diagnosis to a patient by having this information readily available, allowing them to observe a patient’s lifestyle.
With all these technological advances in the medical industry, we will see more medical breakthroughs in the future. While we don’t know what the future holds, all these advances in technology we are seeing now will bring about a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
