How Technology Is Changing Healthcare For The Better

For years, like many industries, healthcare was slow to adapt to the changing environment with the improvement and prevalence of technology. 

Those changes have accelerated in the past couple of years for various reasons. One is the improvements in remote video call capabilities, the prevalence of phones, tablets, and laptops, the power of encryption capabilities, and the “great disruption” that started in early 2020. 

All those factors create a perfect storm for companies to embrace technology in the ever-changing landscape and offer various online options and tools for users and consumers alike. 

The acceleration of remote and online options available has only increased as people become more familiar with the ease and convenience of these technologies. 

For example, when the iPhone was released in 2007, it took years for the iconic smartphone to be as prevalent and dominant as it has become. 

Now, you can’t go anywhere without seeing someone on their phone or tablet. 

In other words, this shows that to embrace change, it takes time. 

If you don’t believe in the power of technology in healthcare, look no further than Apple and Amazon, who recognize the potential that tech can play, have entered the space in various ways. 

The increased pressure these tech giants bear on the healthcare market will only enhance all involved processes and user experience. 

There are various ways tech is changing healthcare from onsite usage to remote and virtual access to files and data. 

On-Site Advantages To Improve Patient Care

The advantages that increased technology allows for onsite usage are the coordination of room maintenance, patient care, and response times. 

Smart Rooms: Integrating all aspects of the patient experience in the hospital room allows for greater supervision, ease of care, and improved experience for the patient and family. 

Data Storage And Access: Online data storage makes accessing customer records and notes on care easier, allowing for better patient care and comfort. 

Discharge Efficiency: One of the most significant complaints patients have about their care is the lengthy check-in and discharge that takes the following care. With improved data storage and access, discharge times are dramatically shorter and easier, impacting patient experience.  

Interactive Care: Having access to patient records and care makes the promise of interactive care a reality. 

This is especially crucial during the COVID pandemic, making in-person care more complex and challenging. 

There are even improved customer care opportunities such as virtual ICU doctors for faster, more accessible care of patients in ICU care. Having virtual doctors working remotely speeds up response time and can quickly assist bedside teams as needed. 

And this interactive care is especially important for doctors working with colleagues across the globe. Having online data and access to information is one of the reasons that the COVID vaccination was able to be dissected and produced in a record amount of time.

The impact of technology within the healthcare industry can’t be understated. In addition to the improvements of data collection, sharing, and access speeds up and improves patient care. 

There are plenty of other ways that embracing technology has improved the healthcare industry. 

Other Impacts On Healthcare

The ease of data storage and access has been a boon for healthcare providers, which will accelerate improvements in all facets of hospital administration as well. 

From inventory management to equipment maintenance and improved supply chain and logistics, the utilization of technology in the healthcare setting has become substantially positive. 

Another way that technology has added to the overall healthcare experience is seen in the advancement and increased usage of 3D printing in orthodontics. 

In the past, a mold would have to be taken; the mold would need to be set and dried before the orthodontics could be shaped for the individual. 

This process was time-consuming and often led to improperly fitting orthotics. However, the improvement and convenience of 3D printing have made orthodontics’ practice faster and a better experience for patients. 

Predictive Medicine: With the ease of and access to data worldwide can assist researchers and doctors diagnose and create predictive models that may impact public health to prevent and slow future pandemics. 

The prevalence of online analysis also allows researchers to see hot spots of illness and other concerns based on people’s search histories, allowing medical professionals to allocate resources to areas of need quickly.  

The reach of technology has only accelerated in all aspects of society and our lives including the healthcare industry. Increased reliance on the interactive function that technology allows will continue to accelerate and should show an increase in patient care and predictive medicine to help mitigate future public health emergencies.