The Best Ways Technology Is Changing Healthcare

There are several ways in which technology is transforming the healthcare industry, including the use of robotics, analytics, scanning systems, and communications systems. These advances have the potential to improve surgical accuracy and help hospitals lower costs. New robotics systems and digital dispensation programs can help doctors fill prescriptions more quickly, and communications systems can make it easier for patients to communicate with physicians. But how exactly is technology affecting healthcare?

Cloud computing

One of the first areas where cloud computing is transforming the health sector is in the area of data storage and management. Medical records contain vast amounts of data and, in most cases, more than one physician is involved in the care of a single patient. However, the average healthcare provider doesn’t have the resources to store and manage this vast amount of information. Additionally, healthcare organizations are subject to a range of regulations, including GDPR and HIPAA, making it difficult for them to maintain data integrity and security. Cloud storage solutions enable healthcare organizations to meet these regulations and provide a scalable, secure, and integrated foundation for the future.

Another major benefit of cloud computing for healthcare providers is the cost savings they will enjoy. By not purchasing expensive systems, they can use cloud providers’ resources for their needs. Whether it’s electronic medical records, patient portals, mobile apps, or big data analytics, cloud computing will enable healthcare organizations to access information from anywhere and without the added costs of maintaining physical servers. By eliminating these costs, cloud computing can help healthcare organizations save on their infrastructure and IT staff time.

Robotics

A recent study sought to gauge the readiness of healthcare professionals to incorporate robotics in their daily work. The majority cited tasks such as lifting as a benefit from the use of robots, and some even acknowledged that they have little experience with robots. These results indicate that public attitudes toward robotics may be different from those in the U.S., but they are nevertheless important to consider as an educator. Listed below are some possible reasons why robots may not be embraced as quickly as we might hope.

As the capabilities of robots increase, new ethical frameworks are needed. These frameworks must be flexible and adaptable enough to keep up with the rapid changes in robotic functionality. This might require training a new generation of healthcare professionals to understand the ethical implications of this new technology. Current regulatory frameworks cannot keep up with the technological advancements, and may have to be adapted from other industries. As health care robotics is still a young field, it will likely require designated working groups, national and international, to develop and implement new policies and regulations.

Apps

The healthcare industry has always been open to progress, precision, and innovation – a perfect fit for the ever-growing app market. The latest in healthcare-related mobile apps have been empowering healthcare professionals to speed up and streamline time-consuming processes, increase patient safety, and improve training. Let’s take a look at the ways that Apps are changing healthcare today. The world’s population is getting older and technology-driven, and health professionals are taking advantage of these new tools to stay informed.

The rise of patient-held apps is creating an unprecedented market. One major medical organization, Kaiser Permanente, has made its entire health record system available through an app, and it has more than ninety-five thousand downloads. The app allows patients to communicate with doctors and receive the treatment they need, making healthcare at a distance a reality. Moreover, this technology allows doctors and patients to agree on face-to-face meetings, which was previously impossible.

Communication technologies

As part of healthcare reform, the Affordable Care Act calls for better health care and lower costs for Americans. While new technology has helped increase patient engagement, it does not replace relationship-building and face-to-face interaction. As a result, a new focus is emerging on preventive care. Insurance companies and employers alike have embraced the concept of community-based disease management programs to prevent disease and improve health. These programs help patients and physicians work together in the interest of their health and well-being.

While physicians and nurses interact face-to-face, they can also communicate through electronic health records, pagers, and email. These technologies make it easier for both parties to get the same message, but also increase ambiguity. In addition, because nurses sometimes manipulate communication, patient safety can be compromised. Because of these risks, understanding how communication technologies are changing healthcare is critical. Let’s take a closer look at some ways these new tools can improve patient safety.

3D printing

The rising demand for personalized healthcare is one of the driving forces behind the adoption of 3D printing in healthcare. 3D printers allow medical professionals to create customized devices for patients based on their specific needs. Unlike traditional reconstructive surgeries, 3D printing offers significant advantages, such as reduced operative risk, decreased susceptibility to infections, and a shorter period of anesthesia. Below are some of the ways 3D printing in healthcare can help medical professionals meet the needs of their patients.

Research scientists are currently trying to develop a drug that will attack the tumor cells without destroying healthy parts of the body. This type of drug must not affect the organs, and this can be difficult to achieve with current treatments. The cells being studied can also remain in the body after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The BCN3D team adapted the design of scaffolds to replicate body structures and can isolate cells that are responsible for relapses. 3D printing in healthcare has the potential to transform the medical industry.