Technology improves every day, and so does healthcare. Throughout years of research and testing, treatments and medical practices today have become more effective and efficient. Medical professionals now have new tools to help people recover and have a better quality of life.
Below are some examples of how technology impacts healthcare:
- Telemedicine
Due to the constriction caused by the pandemic, people nowadays prefer virtual meetings and checkups. Telemedicine is a virtual checkup that enables a physician and patient to communicate. Doctors will be able to meet their patients through video conferencing and provide medical advice. It eliminates the need for doctors and patients to meet at the hospital or clinic.
For thousands of people, telemedicine is a boon, especially for those who live in a remote area, are not ambulatory, or lack transportation options. Telemedicine is beneficial to patients and healthcare professionals, particularly amidst the pandemic.
- Electronic health records
Also known as Electronic Medical Record (EMR), this technology is the collection of digitally formatted patient’s health history. EMRs offer better continuity care and outcomes for patients by guaranteeing that the medical professionals are treating patients according to their current and past health conditions. EMRs have also enhanced provider coordination, reduced inequities in health care, and expedited processes like e-prescribing and telemedicine. It enables doctors to organize patient care and ensure accuracy in our digitally linked world and empower patients to be the one who communicates.
Among the technologies that utilize EMRs today is this laser procedure for glaucoma. It is used to diagnose glaucoma and presents data through its enhanced video capture capabilities and digital image, saving them to the EMR.
- Wearables
Wearables provide a new way to collect data, promote prevention, and improve health results for patients. Among the first and most popular wearables are Fitbit and smartwatch. Today, there are many wearables in the market to choose from, each with a unique set of capabilities.
The device’s capacity to warn users and their doctors of sudden onset medical concerns is a valuable feature. Wearables capture data in real-time, which is subsequently collected and evaluated by a system that can alert physicians to a problem with a patient. It enables medical professionals to be preventive and connect to individuals who don’t realize that they may require immediate medical attention.
- 3D bioprinting
While not complete, 3D bioprinting has the potential to create prostheses, medicine, and even human organs and tissue. In 2018, scientists tried printing human ears, which they successfully connected to mice’s skin. It is considered a substantial advancement in 3D printing’s evolution.
An even more exciting development of this technology is where doctors in Australia successfully implanted 3D printed vertebrae into a patient with chordoma cancer. These implants are revolutionizing bone and joint replacement that is longer-lasting, better fitting, and higher performing. A study estimates that over four million orthopedic implants will be utilized on patients by 2027.
Conclusion
To conclude, healthcare is improving due to the advancement of medical technology. Thanks to these technologies, people can now undergo better treatments and acquire improved results. Technology can help improve healthcare in many ways, and greater innovations are yet to come.