How Technology Is Changing Healthcare?
We’ve all heard of wearable technology and Artificial intelligence, but how are these new technologies changing the way we practice medicine? Augmented reality and robotics are both transforming the way doctors perform complicated surgeries and brain mapping. But they also offer a new way for patients to experience medical treatments in a more immersive way. By using VR, doctors can give patients virtual experiences of inside their bodies and how different treatments will impact them.
Wearable technologies
The use of wearable technologies is changing the way many chronic diseases are managed. Studies have shown that around 80% of disease can be prevented or at least minimized through lifestyle changes. Apps that monitor sleep patterns, blood pressure, and exercise can encourage healthier habits. Even one thousand steps a day can cut the risk of death by 6%. Health professionals and patients can share these data and form a consultative relationship. However, these technologies aren’t without their own drawbacks.
With an increasing emphasis on patient-centered care, wearable technologies are becoming more commonplace in health care. They can measure heart rate, exercise, and reproductive cycles, and send this data directly to healthcare providers. Garmin is a prominent player in the healthcare industry with a wide range of wearable devices. One of its popular models is an all-day activity tracker that can measure steps, distance, intensity, and calories burned throughout the day.
Artificial intelligence
Among the industries that are quickly adopting artificial intelligence are healthcare and technology. With AI already transforming the workplace, more businesses are looking to tap into the power of this technology. It is already changing many aspects of the healthcare industry, including doctor-patient interactions, medical procedures, and more. These companies are developing AI-based products and services to improve patient care, cost management, and treatment efficiency. Artificial intelligence is a game changer for the healthcare industry.
One example of a new product that uses AI is voice-powered care assistants that connect patients with the right physician. The assistants use voice recognition and NLP to answer clinical questions, transcribe case notes, and organize images and files. Another example is the development of a drug discovery program that reduces costs by predicting emerging hotspots and identifying diseases before they occur. However, AI is still in its early stages, and healthcare providers and researchers are taking time to develop and validate the technology.
Robotics
Using robotics in healthcare is not new, but there are many applications that can help patients recover from surgery or other treatments. Certain robots are equipped with special systems that help the disabled regain their mobility and help them with routine tasks, such as taking medications or naps. These systems could also help in rehabilitation, where patients can be in bed and unable to walk due to their condition. Ultimately, the use of robotics in healthcare could be a breakthrough technology that will save lives and improve the care of millions of people around the world.
The role of robots in health care is currently evolving and expanding. While they are often used as replacements for human medical workers, their use in hospitals will require shifts in skill sets to accommodate their new roles. As robotic applications continue to grow, they will also create new ethical and legal challenges for medical professionals. Healthcare professionals have expressed concerns about the physical environment, as well. Robots will become part of the future of healthcare and will change the way patients are treated.
Electronic medical records
Currently, EMRs are being used in thousands of health care facilities across the United States. These records can contain information from all healthcare providers, including allergies, past and current medications, lab and radiology results, shot records, and treatments. EHRs can help doctors understand a patient’s needs and make better decisions. While the transition from paper-based records to EHRs has been slow, the benefits have far outweighed the drawbacks.
First of all, EHRs allow medical professionals and patients to coordinate care and keep track of the patient’s health. They can track medication outcomes, side-effects, and other patient data, as well as send trigger warnings to physicians when necessary. They can also improve the billing system, reduce legibility, and improve communication. All this is just one of the ways EHRs are changing healthcare. But what about the future?
Telemedicine
The use of telemedicine has become widespread in the medical field. The technology enables patients to communicate with healthcare providers via smartphone and discuss everyday health issues. Patients can receive expert medical care around the clock, which is a tremendous benefit to many chronic conditions. The technology also allows patients to monitor their condition and access online resources. Here are some of the ways telemedicine is changing the way we think about healthcare. They may surprise you.
First, telehealth allows physicians to treat patients in rural areas. In the Netherlands, dermatologists have used telemedicine since 2005. Patients can receive a consultation from any location, reducing hospital costs by as much as 18 percent. Telehealth is not perfect. Children can be vulnerable to emotional distress after traumatic events, such as natural disasters or tragedies. In 2005, the Robert Wood John Foundation established a telemedicine program to help children recover from these events. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had devastating effects on Galveston, and the following Hurricane Ike left a number of children in the region emotionally distressed.