Digital transformation is reshaping the entire world and positively impacting every sphere, the healthcare system is no exception. Hence, medical device software integrations, telemedicine, big data, machine learning, and even blockchain are some examples that are entirely revamping the healthcare system.
In the healthcare sector, optimizing the technology in the system for reducing the physicians’ and frontline workers’ burden, mitigating human error, improving the treatment outcome, and lowering the overall cost of the treatment with a better experience is the primary focus.
1. Patient Portals
A lot of healthcare providers are implementing patient portals. The portals make it easier for patients to reach out to a nurse or a doctor. A patient can request a prescription renewal, get a summary of previous diagnosis and visits, schedule appointments, and get appointment reminders.
2. Telehealth Apps
Online appointments arranged in telehealth apps can make a big difference both for patients and for clinics, especially in times of Covid when a lot of people prefer to stay at home. Often there are cases where a patient might not require an in-person visit to a clinic, or it might not be possible to make that visit. Online appointments can include web-based visits with health practitioners for minor illnesses and follow-up check-ups. Also, such apps can be extremely useful in remote villages without emergency healthcare providers.
3. Remote Monitoring Devices
Digital technology advancement has reached a point where doctors and health caregivers can monitor a patient’s condition remotely with the help of mobile and smart device apps. For instance, smart devices can detect low levels of glucose in the blood and alert the patient or a doctor. Sensors can detect and pass on information about acute or dangerous conditions.
4. Electronic Health Record
An electronic health record (EHR) is the information about a patient stored in a hospital system. In other words, it’s a digital version of a patient’s paper records. The digital format makes it easy to share data between doctors and hospitals. EHRs reduce the number of medical errors and keep all the information in one place. It can help to avoid duplication of tests and delays in treatments for patients and helps doctors to see the bigger picture.
5. Virtual Reality
Most doctors agree that virtual reality is a big step forward in learning for both students and doctors. VR enables medical students to see 3D models in detail, which was impossible without that technology. VR in healthcare creates risk-free conditions for those who need to acquire medical skills and experience.
6. Medical Image Analysis Software
Image analysis is a great technology that came to life with computer vision. The software enables doctors to minimize clinical errors and misdiagnosis cases. Machine learning systems are able to spot changes that are difficult to notice for a person. This way, they can facilitate early diagnostics and increase survival rates for a whole variety of diseases, such as cancer.
7. Medical IT Support
Doctors and nurses need IT to support them like all the other employees. They might have a problem with connecting to some of the digital devices they are using or some of the systems. The IT infrastructure in some clinics and hospitals is so complicated that the administration needs to outsource support services from external IT companies to help staff resolve technical issues quickly and effectively.
8. Advanced Security
With data being used extensively to offer better healthcare to patients and improve treatment, the trend for robust security for big data is essential. Because healthcare providers hold the sensitive data of their patients, they must make sure that it’s safe and protected. Therefore, every healthcare provider must warrant HIPAA compliance to ensure no data breaches.
Moreover, secure healthcare faxing is essential to HIPAA compliance and data security as it provides a reliable way to transmit patient information. Secure fax services can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. It is also an effective means of ensuring that sensitive patient data remains safe and confidential.
9. Hospital Inventory Management Software
Hospital inventory management software is the solution that is used in healthcare the same way it’s used in the supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing, the only difference is that the healthcare inventory is represented by drugs and medical supplies. It can improve medication management and stock tracking greatly, as well as provide databases for advanced analytics.
10. Augmented Reality
Microsoft’s mixed-reality headset Hololens can offer a host of benefits to surgeons. For example, it can enable the surgeon to use both hands during the procedure and be used as a collaborative tool and training for prospective surgeons. However, more research and specialized software are needed to expand its use.
The Future of Healthcare
It is no rocket science to understand that technology can improve healthcare and overall quality of life. Hence, it is time to follow these healthcare trends and invest in them.