The medical field is no stranger to technological advancements. Because technology has the potential to save lives, the industry is quick to adopt new gadgets, services, and ideas. For much of history, this has been true of the medical business, but recent healthcare advancements have been on an unprecedented scale.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have exploded in popularity in recent years. The medical profession, which has a history of quick technological adoption, embraced these advancements faster than many other industries. They’ve expanded so far that they’re causing havoc in the medical industry.
Here are seven ways that modern technology is changing the healthcare industry.
1. Easy-to-find Medical Information
People who are experiencing troubling symptoms are increasingly turning to the internet for answers to their problems. It is useful for assuaging concerns or providing solutions when your medical professional is unavailable. It can also help you save money by reducing the number of unneeded doctor appointments.
Looking up your symptoms online, on the other hand, might cause anxiety and stress over a bit of ailment, as your symptoms could be indicative of a variety of illnesses. In these cases, a professional diagnosis should be sought from your doctor.
2. Increasing Healthcare Access
Telehealth is one of the most disruptive current healthcare technology advances. During the COVID-19 epidemic, these systems, which leverage IoT and cloud technology to allow doctors to visit patients remotely, grew exponentially. These services accounted for 32% of office and outpatient visits in April 2024, a 38-fold increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Telehealth’s main benefit is that it increases people’s access to medical care. Patients who are unable to travel can obtain medical assistance through virtual doctor appointments. Even the busiest people may now make appointments since telemedicine primary care visits eliminate the need for waiting rooms.
Robotics driven by the Internet of Things can push telemedicine even farther, allowing doctors to do delicate procedures thousands of kilometers away from their patients. These remote-controlled robots enable patients to receive care from the best doctors globally, regardless of their location. Learn more here about the hospital that uses modern technology to improve its services.
3. Increasing Productivity
Recent technological advancements in health care have also increased the efficiency of the sector. Electronic health records (EHRs) cut the time it takes to file and deliver patient information by digitizing records. These advancements are crucial in an industry where time saves might mean lives saved.
One of the most valuable techniques for increasing healthcare efficiency is automation. Chatbots can be used to automate outpatient care calls, allowing employees to focus on more time-sensitive matters while offering support. Similarly, software robots can help doctors and nurses spend more time with patients by automating administrative activities like data entry.
Machines can now deliver preliminary diagnoses thanks to recent advancements in AI. Wearable technology collects data from patients that help doctors to treat them effectively.
4. The Medical Field and Mobile App Technology
Patients can use their mobile devices to not only acquire rapid and accurate medical information but can also utilize applications to keep track of doctor’s visits and get reminders to take their meds. Health and fitness apps assist people in being healthy by keeping track of their food intake and exercise levels and providing personalized solutions.
These apps can also aid physicians in high-stress occupations by cutting down on time spent filing, maintaining records, and other mundane chores. Mobile apps enable access to drug information to help prevent side effects and interactions, address difficulties, and improve diagnosis. Doctors can speak directly with their patients, correctly record their vital signs, keep track of visits and consultations, and enhance the efficiency of their procedures.
5. Increased Social Media Presence
Physicians, hospitals, and clinics have made it common to use social media sites to reach out to the public. It not only expands their exposure but also makes it easier for individuals to contact them for information. They can provide precise advice or knowledge about their field, educating a large number of people.
Another excellent benefit is that previous patients can offer feedback or a review of their service at a particular medical institution or with a specific doctor. It can considerably assist potential patients in identifying a doctor or facility that they believe is most suited to their needs.
6. Cost-cutting
Cutting-edge technology is sometimes linked with a high price tag, yet it can help you save money over time. New systems can make care cheaper for patients, which is perhaps more significant for healthcare applications. These developments could be life-saving, given how exorbitant charges have historically prohibited some people from getting the necessary care.
Studies have demonstrated telemedicine to save between $20 and $120 per visit, resulting in significant savings for patients with chronic diseases. Because telemedicine allows for more convenient checkups, it may also reduce the number of unnecessary emergency department visits, further lowering expenditures.
It can also save money on things like petrol and parking that a regular hospital visit would cost. Medical organizations benefit from healthcare technologies as well. EHRs can save $5.14 per patient per month as compared to paper records. Those seemingly insignificant savings add up to a substantial sum of money over time for a large hospital.
7. Increasing the Speed of Research
Recent medical advancements have also made it possible to conduct speedier and more accurate medical research. Predictive analytics in vaccine development is perhaps the most well-known example of this. Advanced AI algorithms can simulate how viral strains interact with various substances, allowing for identifying possible vaccine candidates without the need for costly and time-consuming real-world testing.
Both the health and tech industry have advanced at extreme speeds due to cleanrooms designed by companies like ISOCleanroom.
Conclusion
It’s an exciting moment to be monitoring and profiting from technological advancements, particularly in healthcare. Changes and enhancements will undoubtedly occur in the coming weeks, months, or years, relegating today’s technology to the past. Healthcare is more fast-paced and patient-friendly than it has ever been, and it will only get better from here.
