Software developers for years created medical technology that could only be used on workstations and terminal screens. That health delivery is not a passive activity was something that engineers back then didn’t completely understand. There was a major shift toward improved technologies after software companies realized this and included doctors and clinical staff in product design. To accommodate physicians who are on the go, usage of mobile apps and devices has increased dramatically over the past few years.
What is the role of technology in healthcare?
Technology innovation has a lot of room in the healthcare industry. The need for technological solutions to improve healthcare systems and procedures will only increase because healthcare is such an important business. In addition, innovative and exciting innovations in industries like communications, data analysis, biotechnology, blockchain, etc. can support medical facilities and professionals in offering patients the best and most effective care.
Here are some of the newest developments in the field of technology’s application to healthcare:
Big Data Analysis
Integration of big data analysis in the healthcare sector has grown significantly in importance as a result of the recent significant growth in the demand for medical facilities.
Efficient hospital staffing:
Hospitals can predict future admission rates by analyzing the previous and present admission rates. They can decide how many employees to hire and which facilities to assign them to based on this.
Error-proof medication:
By reviewing the patient’s medical history, data analysis tools can identify any mistakes or contradictions in the prescribed treatments or medications. This will serve as a backup plan in case hospital staff members make mistakes.
Preventive care:
Once more, systems can identify the early signs of any medical issue so doctors can treat them before they progress to a serious stage by analyzing the medical history of individuals.
Wearable Medical Devices
Patients who use fitness trackers feel more in charge of and in control of their own health. They are motivated to exercise more since they can see how active they are, which will help them achieve some specific objectives. These trackers “enhance user” the fitness process and make it less of a chore for patients by including prizes, alerts, etc.
Virtual Reality Tech
Some medical professionals are employing VR technology to treat patients with chronic pain difficulties. Since pain is experienced in the brain, it can be reduced by diverting the brain using VR or other interesting activities that demand a lot from the patient in terms of involvement and attention.
Telehealth
Due to the limitations on in-person encounters brought about by the introduction of the Covid-19, telehealth and internet medical consultations have gained prominence in the healthcare industry. Even without the pandemic, telehealth is a lifesaver for patients who live in remote or rural areas and frequently struggle to get to the doctor, as well as for patients with severe mobility problems (such as those who use wheelchairs or those with neurodegenerative diseases) who find it difficult to leave their homes to see a doctor.
Importance of Technology in Healthcare
The use of technology in healthcare has improved patient diagnosis and care over the years. Healthcare is probably the most significant industry to have profited from the introduction of technology. As a result, it has helped people live better lives and saved many lives over time. And also, Technology has a significant history in the field of medicine. With a few taps on a screen, technology is now paving its way to provide quick care management and, in case of emergencies, reduce casualties by providing real-time access to patient history. This is all thanks to the Internet of Medical Technology (IoMT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and deep learning.
Advantages of technology in healthcare
Wearable Tech
Healthcare equipment that can be worn or affixed to the human body has been made possible by modern technology. These technologies are made to collect information on the wearer’s activity levels and personal health, just like smartwatches or Fitbits.
Lower Instances of Medical Errors
The majority of deaths resulting from medical mistakes are brought on by a lack of knowledge about the patient and their current medications. Then there are other mistakes like incorrect order records, medicine substitutions, etc. Fortunately, technology is demonstrating promise in lowering the frequency of medical mistakes.
Remote Monitoring Tools
Their goal is to make it possible for medical professionals to keep tabs on patients’ development away from a clinic or hospital.
Genome Sequencing
One of the most heavily debated topics in the healthcare industry right now is high-throughput technologies for genome sequencing. Sequencing a genome, often known as DNA, identifies every human chromosome or virus’ whole genome.
3D Printing
The days of a painful and probable amputation following a broken bone are long gone. The ability to reproduce almost lifelike models of bones and other organs is now possible thanks to 3D printing. When it comes to restoring broken bones and other sick tissue, these models are a huge aid to surgeons.
Disadvantages of Technology in Healthcare
Cybersecurity Risks
In today’s world, data is produced in huge amounts, particularly in the healthcare industry. This data is not just difficult to manage, but it is also almost impossibly simple to transfer, store, and integrate with other systems .Patients may be put at risk if data breaches happen as a result of careless disclosure or malicious hacking. Today’s healthcare providers rely on these gadgets to transmit precise information for medication prescription, therapy planning, etc. The amount of harm that can be done by just one data leak, modification, or removal is unbelievable.
Empathy Lacking in Doctor-Patient Interactions
Without a mistake, telehealth has made it possible for patients and doctors to remain in contact even when they are separated by distance. As more doctors adopt the telemedicine approach, one-off consultations are progressively becoming a thing of the past.
Frustrations Revolving around Poor Tech implementation
It is important that the technology used function properly, without errors, and eventually enhance the standard of patient care given because healthcare is one industry where matters can quickly become a matter of life and death.
Conclusion
In this new digital era, technology will definitely have an ever-growing impact on healthcare. Technology advances can benefit doctors and patients in a variety of ways, from enabling people to take control of their health to protecting patient privacy and medical data and assisting hospitals in making more effective decisions regarding staffing and treatment.
– KLYZELYN JOYCE TUANTE
REFERENCES:
Bouronikos, V. (2022, August 30). Importance of Technology in Healthcare. Institute of Entrepreneurship Development. https://ied.eu/blog/importance-of-technology-in-healthcare/
Ross, S. M. M., MD. (2020, January 14). What is the Impact of Technology in Healthcare? https://blog.cureatr.com/what-is-the-impact-of-technology-in-healthcare
Shah, A. M. (2022, April 26). What is the Role of Technology in Healthcare? – iView Labs. https://www.iviewlabs.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-technology-in-healthcare/
The Importance Of New Technology In The Healthcare Industry. (2021, February 18). Dr. Bill. https://www.dr-bill.ca/blog/technology/the-importance-of-new-technology-in-the-healthcare-industry
Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in the Healthcare Sector. (2022, August 4). My Tech Mag. https://www.mytechmag.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-technology-in-the-healthcare/
