The healthcare system is making great changes to better suit the patient and medical workers. Technology has played a huge role in this with areas such as automated patient appointment reminders, patient data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The advantages are progressing daily especially amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The trends work to improve the efficiency of healthcare facilities and work towards achieving the goals of the patient.
Emerging trends related to healthcare technology
Virtual reality
This has been integrated into the healthcare system to assist patients with mental issues such as anxiety and depression. The mind is manipulated through images that bring relaxation. People who are about to have their surgeries or other medical procedures are engaged in virtual reality to act as a distraction and give them confidence. In physiotherapy, it is used to encourage the movement of the muscled through brain stimulation.
Online meetings
Nowadays, a medical worker can address a large group of people from the comfort of their home or office. Through zoom meetings and video calls, you can monitor your patients’ progress and see how they are responding to medicine. This is also known as telehealth. Doctors can have meetings within themselves from different locations to discuss a condition despite a different geographical location.
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning is integrated into the healthcare system where new strains can be discovered and treated or a vaccine developed early. Data collected can be used to bring data analysis that can be used to develop vaccines and know in which conditions they thrive more.
Online appointments
Long ago one had to reach a doctor or the hospital’s customer care services to book an appointment. This could take a long time to even reach out to the doctors.
Advancements in technology allow one to book appointments online and set automated patient appointment reminders. This is very effective all one has to do is have internet and a gadget to make appointments such as phones or laptops.
Advantages of integrating technology into healthcare
Timely reminders
If an event is set on google calenders, for example, the time it is supposed to start, you will be given a notification. This saves time and ensures the patient and doctor keep time.
Personal care
A doctor can give you personal care through telehealth services. One does not have to visit the hospital every time they need to see their doctor.
Better healthcare
For example, people going through depression, anxiety, trauma, and physical therapy can integrate the use of 3D images to manipulate the mind to better healing.
Detecting infections and viruses early
Machine learning and analytics help those in the pathogens department to learn infections digitally and detect new strains. This can enable them to learn more about infections and other diseases.
Decrease in medical errors.
Technology helps doctors to make the diagnosis with so much ease and administer the right medications. In conclusion, the impact of technology use in healthcare has brought so many improvements and with its advancements, the world will become a better place to live in.