In recent years, the adoption of technologies has led to medical breakthroughs and better healthcare management. The tech trends have improved the quality of life, especially for people who have long-term ailments. They can monitor their health using remote monitoring devices and consult an online doctor in case of emergencies. Read on to discover the technology trends that are improving online healthcare management.
Chatbots
Artificial intelligence led to the introduction of chatbots, and their application is gaining popularity in the healthcare industry. They assist patients in managing healthcare remotely. For instance, patients can book medical appointments from the comfort of their homes or find a medical facility within their area in case of an emergency. Chatbots provide 24/7 accessibility to medical care through virtual nursing. The doctors can interact with the patients without any hassles and offer instant advice. It also comes in handy for patients with long-term illness since they can be used as friendly reminders for taking medication or refilling prescriptions. Chatbots not only improve health management, but they also mitigate risk by providing information on the side effects of drugs.
Digital Health Records
Traditionally, medical records were available in hardcopies stored in large files. The format of the documents often made it difficult for doctors to access patients’ medical histories. With the advent of telemedicine, all medical records have been digitized. The availability of medical records has improved healthcare by enabling doctors to make an accurate diagnosis by studying a patient’s medical history. Cloud computing has also enhanced information sharing between medical facilities, ensuring that patients get the best treatment.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
The internet is improving the quality of life by enhancing the functionality of multiple tools. With the number of devices that can be connected to the internet being at an all-time high, numerous opportunities for online healthcare are available. The devices can collect data and relay the information to the health facilities. An excellent example is the remote monitoring tools, which come in the form of wearable devices. The devices are linked to a health system, and they can record vital signs like body temperature, blood pressure, and sugar levels.
The IoT-based devices come in handy for senior citizens and patients with medical conditions that require constant attention. Apart from collecting data, the tools will notify emergency personnel in the area or caretakers when the patients’ vital signs present an anomaly. The devices have vastly improved personal care by reducing fatal outcomes during medical emergencies.
Blockchain
With the digitization of records and all the talk about big data, information security is a significant concern. However, with the existence of blockchain, you do not need to worry about data breaches. Many people associate blockchain with cryptocurrencies, but it serves numerous purposes apart from crypto trading. In the healthcare industry, blockchain is a virtual ledger that stores and maintains information in a network of personal computers. The storage is decentralized, and the data is encrypted, making it highly secure. Using blockchain technology in the healthcare industry increases accessibility to medical files and improves the patients’ care. The system also keeps track of information sharing to ensure it is done transparently to avoid fraud.
Telehealth
Telemedicine simplifies and improves the quality of life of patients and the work of health care providers. Telehealth also employs digital communication to convey medical information to people in remote areas. With accessibility to healthcare services, patients can get specialized treatment from professionals. The medical facilities are accessible through a web portal, video conferencing, and any other digital channel. Apart from e-health patient services, telehealth also allows anyone with a phone to monitor their vital signs and consult with a doctor online.
Technology trends in the healthcare industry are changing people’s lives by increasing access to healthcare. These technologies have also improved patients’ involvement in their health through remote monitoring tools and seeking help from online doctors.
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.
