Advancements in Medical Technology and Healthcare
The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving due to advances in medical technology. These advancements help patients access healthcare more quickly and conveniently, while also decreasing the risk of injuries.
Healthcare professionals have adopted technology to simplify tasks and make the job of nurses and doctors simpler. For instance, electronic health records (EHRs) eliminate many inefficiencies and errors associated with paper-based recordkeeping.
3D Printing
3D printing in medical technology and healthcare is rapidly becoming a cutting-edge field of innovation. Doctors are using this process to craft implants, models and prosthetics tailored specifically for their patients’ needs.
Radiologists can create an exact replica of a patient’s spine to plan surgery. Surgeons could utilize 3D printers to craft implants that fit into specific bones, while dentists could utilize scanners to scan broken teeth and craft crowns that fit snugly inside mouths.
Three-D printing has the potential to revolutionize medicine. Not only can it allow doctors to explore new treatments, but it can also enhance training and education for future medical professionals.
3D printers are also being employed to manufacture low-cost prosthetics for those living in war-torn countries or remote regions that lack infrastructure for delivering medical supplies. These prosthetics can be constructed quickly and at lower costs than traditional products, helping alleviate some of the financial strain associated with receiving treatment.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology provides people with the ability to monitor their health and fitness. They can keep tabs on things like heart rate, calorie intake, and training regimens.
Furthermore, it helps them adopt healthier habits and get physically active in a way that makes sense for them. This includes setting objectives, tracking progress, and providing just-in-time coaching when needed.
Wearable devices have had a particularly significant impact on the healthcare industry, as patients can use them to monitor their vitals and communicate with doctors in real time. This makes medical treatment quicker and simpler, saving both parties time and money in the process.
The wearable market is growing at an incredible rate, necessitating companies to adjust quickly and invest in adequate security measures. The healthcare sector can benefit greatly from this type of technology since patients tend to be more engaged with their own care.
Telehealth
Telehealth is an umbrella term for digital healthcare services. Examples of telehealth include live video conferencing, mobile health apps, “store and forward” electronic transmission, as well as remote patient monitoring (RPM).
Telemedicine allows patients and physicians to exchange medical information and coordinate care remotely. It also enables those living with chronic illnesses to monitor their conditions and assess the success of treatment plans.
Telehealth can also be utilized by diabetic patients, who can monitor their glucose levels with an app that sends data wirelessly to a provider. It’s an invaluable way to detect any sudden changes and ensure they receive immediate treatment.
Telehealth can be especially helpful for patients with chronic illnesses who are unable to leave their homes or travel regularly to see the specialist they need. It also benefits those affected by social determinants of health – conditions in their living environments or socioeconomic status that restrict access to healthcare.
Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of paper medical charts used primarily by physicians. EHRs offer a more comprehensive set of data and enable physicians to collaborate with other specialists involved in a patient’s care more efficiently.
EHRs store all of the same information found in paper charts – problem lists, ICD-10 codes, medication lists and test results. Furthermore, the system manages results to avoid duplicate entry and helps avoid costly errors that could have led to unnecessary tests.
A more thorough understanding of a patient’s health history allows providers to make more informed decisions. These comprehensive tools can alert clinicians about potential drug interactions and direct them towards evidence-based guidelines when assessing treatment options.