The technology sector is currently leading global economic growth. In 2017, the tech industry generated over $3 trillion in revenue, and that figure is expected to increase over the next decade.
Technology has affected processes in several industries, including retail, education, and manufacturing. Technological innovations have also reshaped the healthcare industry, enabling healthcare providers to reach more patients, improve the diagnostic process, and develop more effective treatments. Keep reading to learn about some of the most exciting technological innovations that are changing the healthcare industry.
Robotic Therapy
Individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and degenerative conditions, such as ataxia, muscular dystrophy, and muscular sclerosis, may require physical and occupational therapy. Therapy can enable these patients to regain their mobility, maintain muscle and bone strength, and manage pain. Physical therapists use exercises to help their patients improve their mobility. In contrast, occupational therapists use exercises to help patients gain or restore the ability to perform routine tasks, such as buttoning shirts and tying shoelaces.
Technological developments have revolutionized the way that physical and occupational therapists can treat patients. Under the supervision of a physical therapist or an occupational therapist, patients can wear a bionic suit that provides support and makes it easier for them to perform typical functions, such as standing, walking, and writing. Bionic suits — also known as exoskeleton suits — can even be used to enable people who are paralyzed to move their limbs. This exoskeleton technology enables medical professionals to implement more effective treatment plans to improve their patients' health.
Data Access and Analysis
Many patients have multiple healthcare providers. For example, some individuals may see a psychiatrist as well as a doctor and physical therapist. Patients who are hospitalized may be under the care of multiple medical professionals addressing different symptoms and needs. When a patient has this many providers, it calls for next level data management so that everyone is sure ot be on the same page.
Data virtualization software can access information from multiple sources, assess that data, and present real-time data in a useful manner. This data virtualization tool saves healthcare providers time by using data integration to compile information and present it effectively. Data virtualization software translates data into a usable format that enables healthcare professionals with the insights they need to improve operations and patient care.
Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted healthcare providers to expand telemedicine services to patients. Medical doctors, dentists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists could offer some services remotely. Video conference calls were used to assess patients. Some medical treatments could be conducted remotely. For example, psychologists and other mental health professionals have provided counseling to patients over the phone or through video conferencing apps. Physical and occupational therapists use live video appointments to demonstrate how to complete exercises and monitor patients’ progress. Speech-language pathologists can also direct and evaluate their patients with video calls.
Doctors have supplemented telemedicine by phoning in prescriptions to ensure patients can access their medication while eliminating office visits. This is an effective way of preventing exposure to COVID-19, and it enables medical professionals to use their time more efficiently. Patients arriving at medical offices and hospitals must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, which takes time and requires staff. Eliminating office visits has ensured medical professionals can still provide excellent, affordable healthcare to their patients.
Automated Processes
Artificial intelligence (AI) can direct communications and perform routine tasks, such as processing payments and scheduling appointments. Customer service systems with AI can relieve the burden on representatives and allow them to concentrate on complex tasks while ensuring all patients are served. AI answering systems can also determine which staff is required to address a patient’s needs, which reduces the number of times callers are transferred and ensures prompt service.
AI systems can also be used by healthcare professionals to schedule work shifts. AI with machine learning capabilities can be used to increase efficiency and improve treatment protocols.
Exercise and Monitoring Equipment
Patients’ can be monitored remotely with electronic equipment that records their heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. Alerts notify staff when a patient requires medical care due to a change in their condition. With technology, medical staff can assist more patients simultaneously and focus resources on patients requiring immediate care.
Individuals can use electronic devices to monitor their condition at home. Smartphones can be used to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate. There are also apps for tracking the number of steps you take during the day and the number of calories you consume. App alerts can also notify family members if a diabetic’s blood sugar levels are dangerously high or low. Modern technological advances make it possible for individuals to have access to immediate, accurate health information to ensure they take medications on time and seek medical care when required.
