Technology is taking over the world. It monopolizes almost every aspect of our lives, from phones to shopping and everything in between. With continual advancements being made in technological capabilities, it won’t be long before everything has some tech component.
With all of the new abilities offered with these advancements, it is no surprise that technology has crept its way into the healthcare industry in waves. Here are five technologies the industry is adopting and how they will affect the future of your care.
1. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is advancing in the business world exponentially. It provides real-time data, instant access to data analytics, online billing systems, and comprehensive real-time information exchanges. This means that new discoveries can quickly be relayed to providers around the globe, providing better care for patients.
Cloud computing in the health industry has seen vast advancements over the years and shows no signs of slowing down. It provides each independent sector a practical way to communicate and collaborate in a way that will equally benefit patients and providers.
2. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is proving to have numerous applications in a wide variety of areas, from retail to job training. As for the healthcare industry, one of its main uses is in presenting patients with virtual scenarios that are designed to help them relieve stress or confront fears. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, for example, already uses VR to train surgeons by running simulated surgery on virtual emergency care accident patients.
Utilizing VR also provides continual training methods, allowing doctors to learn new techniques and practice new procedures without the risks otherwise involved. With virtual reality headgear, this training is available when and where the doctors are, allowing them to avoid time away from practice and expenses that apply to these absences.
3. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence might bring to mind some futuristic film of robots running the world. However, in reality, the implementation of AI technology is offering new capabilities to the healthcare industry. Utilizing robotic operating procedures, doctors are finding new ways of performing surgeries that would generally be considered impossible.
For now, most of these robots are in the form of doctor-controlled robotic arms. These procedures offer precise incisions that translate into less scarring and fewer complications, meaning quicker recovery times.
4. Mobile Applications
Mobile applications and virtual healthcare are providing healthcare in ways that would have been impossible years ago. This technology allows patients to contact doctors through online chats, video calls, mobile applications, among other means. Utilizing this technology has allowed many who do not have the time or the ability to see their doctor regularly to receive care.
By eliminating the need for office visits, costs are reduced for both patient and healthcare providers. Virtual healthcare and mobile apps reduce the number of doctors needed at any given facility cutting down overhead costs for providers. This reduced overhead translates into lower rates for patients, which is often a deterrent to regular doctor’s visits.
Another feature offered through virtual healthcare is the benefit of receiving care in the privacy of your home, aiding housebound patients and those located in more remote locations.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain is finding a home in banking, IT, video games, and yes, the healthcare industry. This technology offers multiple benefits to both patients and healthcare providers. Some of these benefits include heightened security for sensitive information, securer channels for record-keeping that is virtually impossible to corrupt, and financial benefits.
With trackable data chains, each entry into the system will be coded to the entrant. This technology allows patients to receive consistent care no matter where they are with a localized record that works throughout the world instead of in one office or database.
All of these new technologies and advancements offer better care, more secure access, and lower rates for doctors and patients alike, making going to the doctor a little less scary and a lot more accessible.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.