According to the University of Chicago, the healthcare industry is set to see a massive increase in jobs by the year 2020. This news comes as no surprise to most people, given that the healthcare industry has and is still experiencing a series of huge changes and innovations thanks to advancements in digital technology. Across all sectors of healthcare there is a demand for creative and thoughtful uses of health informatics, cloud technology, digital diagnostics and mobile technology. Many new inventions have yet to be approved, but that certainly isn’t holding the progress back. The research and development of new technology is shaping the future of healthcare.
Digital Diagnostics
Making healthcare easily accessible for everybody is just one of the main goals of digital healthcare today. This means providing digital diagnostic options for everybody, especially those who cannot easily get to a doctor’s surgery or the hospital. For example, Neurotrack is a software-based digital diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s, which evaluates eye movement to detect abnormalities on the hippocampus which is the first area of the brain to be affected by the condition.
The Cloud
According to recent studies, more than 53% of healthcare employees are using cloud based systems and there are many more to follow. Cloud systems provide a wide range of benefits for healthcare providers, especially those in rural or under-developed areas. Thanks to the cloud, it’s easier than ever to store patient records in a secure manner with little worry about damage to or theft of physical records. Securing patient records in the cloud enables healthcare professionals to access them from anywhere, making it easier for doctors or nurses on home visits as they can access records using their smartphone. Many healthcare practices are using certified EMR systems which allow them to store records securely in the cloud, access patient financial information and track patient progress easily.
Wearables
In years to come, wearable technology is set to play a hugely significant role in the provision of healthcare. Wearables are already hugely popular for personal health use, with many people using them to track their own vital signs or monitor exercise during their day to day lives. There is already a lot of research being invested in the use of wearables for health reasons, and they are expected to be valuable to patients suffering from conditions such as asthma, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease along with providing better care to the elderly at home.
Digital Therapy
Digital therapy has helped to improve the quality of care received by patients who require home care or cannot get to a clinic or hospital for therapy and treatment for any reason. Platforms which combine mobile technology with artificial intelligence provide patients with ongoing care once they have returned from a visit to the doctor or hospital. Using a mobile application, patients can follow a daily to-do list for their care which is based on the information inputted regarding them by their healthcare provider. Digital therapy is useful for patients with a range of conditions including cardiovascular, pulmonary and mental health issues.
The Internet
The internet has made it a lot easier to get on-demand medical services and also save money on medical bills and paying for prescription medication. Comparison sites online allow patients to search for the cheapest pharmacies, giving more people the option to pay out-of-pocket for their care, find same-day appointments or find clinics based on their individual needs rather than wait to be referred by their general practitioner. The internet has also provided a valuable service to patients who can now get real-life advice online from healthcare professionals about symptoms which they are experiencing and the next steps in their care. Online support networks and forums are also helpful to patients who need ongoing emotional support.
Telemedicine
Thanks to telemedicine and telehealth technology, patients everywhere are able to receive a better quality of care and a more comfortable experience during both diagnosis and treatment. Telemedicine is used extensively by healthcare professionals and allows them to connect with other professionals and experts for help and advice. This has allowed professionals in developing areas and countries with limited resources to make the most of what they have and follow instructions from more experienced professionals when it comes to patient care, resulting in a minimized need for patient transfers and more accurate diagnosis.
With better research, faster care, and improved in-home care options, there is no doubt that the future of healthcare is digital – and it’s looking bright.
2 Responses
Hi!!!
Great tips! Thank you for sharing this, very helpful! Will definitely apply this in the future!
It’s good to know that digital services like therapy are available to patients who can’t leave their own homes. However, I’m not sure if this can be used effectively by my grandmother who isn’t skilled in technology at all. Maybe we should explore other healthcare options that would allow her to stay in the comfort of her own home.