Advantages of Technology in the Healthcare Industry
Patient diagnosis and treatment have improved thanks to new technology in the healthcare industry. Truly, healthcare is the most critical area that has benefited from technological advancements. As a result of these advancements, healthcare workers save more lives than previously possible. Further, these new technologies improve our quality of life, especially for those with chronic conditions. Below are a few ways improved technology has improved the healthcare industry.
Benefits of New Technology in Healthcare
There are numerous advantages of using information technology in healthcare, sometimes known as health information technology.
Healthcare practitioners use information technology to save and access data from patients’ medical records. This software facilitates patient communication by presenting information in an understandable and easy-to-read style. For example, the system sends prescription alerts, appointment reminders, and alerts for lab results. These reminders help patients stay on track with their medications and treatment schedules. Additionally, patients can quickly access their records, drugs, and those lab results from their computer or mobile device.
Further, the technology reduces the chances of making a medication error. Doctors can see all medications a patient has been prescribed or is taking. As a result, they know if there could be a dangerous interaction when prescribing new medications. Additionally, the electronic health record can improve the care delivered based on previous data. For example, doctors can see what has been effective for their patients in the past. It may result in a change in how they approach an illness or injury.
Finally, the system allows specialists and labs to access and input new patient information into the database. This data recording contributes to the uniformity of practice across all health professionals. As a result, patients and healthcare workers can understand and see what care a patient receives. Notably, the technologies mentioned above have one thing in common: increasing patient health and safety.
Medical Technology in Healthcare
In recent years, healthcare has seen many innovative technology advancements.
We use medical technology for the most severe medical cases and fundamental medical issues, such as a broken bone. All fields have been impacted by technological evolution, from plaster to robotic surgery. Every medical device makes with the patient’s needs in mind. Below are just a few more recent technological advancements in healthcare.
Three-Dimensional Printing (3D Printing)
A variety of fields employ 3D printing to improve their practice. This tool creates implants, surgical joints, and more in the medical field. Experts even print prosthetics. Uniquely, 3D printers construct limbs that match each patient’s measurements and limbs. As a result, individuals with these specially printed limbs find improved comfort and movement than with generic prosthetics.
Additionally, these printers can create new surgical tools such as drill guides. These 3D printed tools are lighter, less expensive, and more accurate. For example, scientists can tailor parts to match each patient’s needs. These tailored tools help surgeons deal with patients’ unique anatomy.
Technology in Healthcare (Artificial Organs)
A unique 3D printing process, bioprinting, allows hospitals to create artificial tissue and organs. Currently, bioprinting using for training and drug research. Printed plastic models use to prepare surgeons for advanced procedures, such as separating conjoined twins. Bioprinted items will allow for more realistic preparation. However, in the future, experts believe this process may use to create viable organs to support human life. As a result, patients won’t need to wait months or years to receive a possible organ transplant.
These artificial organs will be customized to each patient, lowering the risk of rejection. Scientists believe this advancement will also provide skin grafts for burn victims, bone grafts to repair bones and joints, and more vital blood vessels. Ultimately, this technology can save millions of lives each year.
Technology in Healthcare (Robotic Surgery)
Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, requires surgeons to be more precise and flexible during operations. This technique allows physicians to operate using tiny incisions. As a result, procedures are made as non-invasively as possible. Additionally, robotic surgery often results in a shorter recovery and less pain. Furthermore, there are no added risks versus traditional surgery. These surgeries carry the same risk of infection and other related complications.
Thank robotic surgery, certain operations have become more accessible or even conceivable. Surgeons use cameras, microscopes, and support robotics for various surgeries. For example, in one tumor-removal surgery, the head surgeon used a high-tech microscope to better view his patient’s brain. The device even showed the screen where all the surgical tools were located. In another case, doctors used a camera to assist in a total knee replacement. As a result, the surgeons could see hard-to-see areas in detail.
Technology in Healthcare (Wearable Health Monitors)
Wearable health monitors are used both by individuals and within healthcare. Many individuals use fitness trackers and advanced watches to track heart rate and daily steps. However, wearable monitors quickly expanded to include health monitoring devices.
In healthcare, doctors may have their patients wear ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors, and biosensors. This equipment detects irregularities in our bodies. Many of these devices will transmit data directly to doctors and hospitals. As a result, patients will know when something is wrong, and doctors will be able to diagnose better conditions that present intermittently or are not always visible. This technology allows patients to get treated sooner and more effectively. Altogether, this prevents significant and tragic complications.
As a bonus, these monitors improve patient quality of life. For example, previously, a patient with intermittent heart problems could be stuck in the hospital for days or even weeks. Doctors would watch for the symptoms to reappear to understand what is going on with their patients. Now, these patients are monitored from the comfort of home. This practice saves individuals both time and money.
Virtual Reality (VR)
In recent years, virtual reality a lot of use, although primarily for amusement. However, virtual reality can aid medical students in gaining “real-world” experience with procedures and a visual understanding of human anatomy. Even experienced doctors benefit from virtual reality by viewing new designs from the surgeon’s perspective. In 2019, UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine completed a study that showed an improvement of 230% in surgical skills after VR training.
In addition to training, doctors can use VR with their patients to improve recovery, explain procedures, and manage pain. For example, doctors saw a decrease in reported pain for patients who use VR as part of their treatment. In 2021, the FDA approved the inclusion of VR systems in treating individuals with chronic lower back pain.
Technology in Healthcare (Telehealth)
As a result of the pandemic, people become familiar with telehealth services. Telehealth is a fast-expanding market where people get medical care from their phones or computer. Recently, many larger hospitals developed systems to reach their patients from the safety and comfort of their own homes. This process minimizes wait times, reduces the risk of additional disease transmission for patients and doctors, and provides a more convenient way to get help. As a result, patients can easily reach out to their doctor for a diagnosis and medical advice.
Final Thoughts
In the healthcare industry, the revolutionary effect of technology is unmistakable. Scientists and doctors are conscious of their education and practices to find the next best step for evolution. Due to the rise in global life expectancy, there is a high need for healthcare innovation and technology. Indeed, the invention in this field is robust. Thanks to the constant effort of experts, the terrain changes and grow each year.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the technological revolution? The first step in joining the healthcare field is earning your degree to understand Technology in Healthcare.
Lakewood University offers both an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Students will examine the functional areas of healthcare, such as human resources, hospital finance/accounting, healthcare administration, leadership, and operations. These courses prepare students for work in demanding, fast-paced healthcare settings. Students learn the essential skills for hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, surgical facilities, rehabilitation centers, and emergency clinics. Reach out to us today for more information!
