High quality healthcare care is a global need. It has been talked about for more than half a century and is now leading to the formation of agencies such as NQF (National Quality Forum) and AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) that have made safety and quality in healthcare their agenda.

These agencies offer quality standards for healthcare industries, adhering to which offer these advantages:

  • A benchmark of healthcare levels and patient management.
  • Accreditation and incentives from government programs.

Quality standards in healthcare enable reduction of medical errors and increase patient safety. Efforts towards improving these standards are an essential ongoing need. The first step to improve anything is measurement. Since quality and performance are concepts, they are not directly measurable. But indicators are.

For example, safety is a dimension of quality and postoperative complication is an indicator (mortality by type of conditionrate of injury during a hospital stay, are a few of others) that is measurable. This is measurable with the help of data.

 

Information at the heart of improvement

Data can give you very key insights if you look into it.The digital revolution in the healthcare sector has made e-records of various types of data: administrative, patient, disease-specific, and survey, available. They are easily accessible and form a comprehensive input for quality and performance assessment.

 

Filling technology gaps for enhanced patient outcomes

E-records in the desired format, software applications that streamline processes and tools that help assessment are all readily available. The current need is for a technological solution that translates indicator assessment findings into actionable organisational processes for quality and performance improvement.

Advancements in technology applications can bridge this gap. Technology can provide agility and hyper-productivity making every interaction value-adding.* The key technologies in this regard include:

1. Data mapping

The domain of healthcare has always been flooded with a huge amount of complex data, coming from different sectors (hospitals, healthcare providers, medical insurance, etc.) and different verticals (administrative, medical, disease-specific, etc.).

An essential component of improved care and efficiency is IT interoperability that is facilitated by data mapping. Data mapping involves matching between a source and a target (such as between two databases) that contain the same data elements but are known by different names.

This matching enables software and systems to exchange patient information, reimbursement claims, outcomes reporting, and other data meaningfully.

2. Benchmarking of patient care methodologies

Benchmarking is relatively new to the healthcare sector and is defined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations (JCAHO) as a measurement tool for monitoring the impact of governance, management, clinical and logistical functions.

By implementing benchmarking and extrapolating the results with the help of data analytics, care methodologies can be evolved (in their application as well as purpose) to improve patient outcomes.

3. Measurable patient management and financial outcomes

Patient management starts the moment a patient steps into a healthcare facility. Right from the access of patient records and medical history to fixing up doctor appointments, tests to be taken, reports, and hospitalisation as per recommendation, the patient’s journey can be tracked. Aligned with this, is the parallel processing of insurance documents as applicable, to make sure that neither the patient is inconvenienced, nor is the hospital admin waiting to clear documents. Just as processes need to be monitored and stay close to optimum levels of service deliveries, it is essential to empathise with the patient’s condition and support the patient’s recovery journey as per the prognosis and protocols.

The role of technology in hospital and healthcare management is paramount. Technology enhances health care, from diagnosis to disease management to patient communication. Electronic record keeping reduces the chances of errors; health tracking apps improve clinical outcomes, and telemedicine makes distant care a possibility. Thus, modern technology enables faster and more informed decisions concerning health-related risks. Hospital and healthcare management that embraced technology has witnessed improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and better staff efficiency. Pursuing an MBA in healthcare management can help you scale your career if you are into healthcare management. There are also several healthcare management courses that you can do to sharpen your skills. Check out timespro.com for more details on the latest courses.

Benefits of Info-tech in Healthcare

Info-tech in healthcare can tremendously improve the quality of care. It helps healthcare management professionals to store and retrieve data in a much more efficient way. It enhances communication between caregivers and patients, keeps track of follow-ups, and helps solve patient queries. This enhances patient safety, reduces chances of conflict and protects the healthcare institution against legal issues.

Faster and accurate access to patient records

One of the most significant uses of technology in healthcare management is adoption of electronic health records. Electronic records help maintain patient information, thus making health records easily accessible. It further supports automatic alerts for follow-ups, appointments, check-ups and diagnostic tests.

Improved access to care

Healthcare access is the main barrier to quality care. In India, most private hospitals are established in the cities, with little to no high-end healthcare facilities in the remote areas of India. Even today, 72% of the Indian population is rural. This necessitates healthcare management to reach out to the remotest locations in India. With telehealth, big hospitals are making consultations with the top doctors available with ease.

Reduced human error

Advanced technology in healthcare management includes electronic health records and computerised orders, which have significantly lowered processing errors. The cases of prescription error in healthcare management were alarmingly high. While some cases resulted in mild side effects, some resulted in fatalities. This can be easily avoided with digital prescriptions, with technology assisting in finding diagnostic errors and highlighting the right course of action.

Better hospital facilities

Integrating all information in a centralised information system can help better manage, thus enhancing hospital facilities for patients. From updating the availability of resources and staff to keeping track of doctor’s availability, many healthcare apps provide easy management of the healthcare institution.

Better customer relationship

Relationship management technology has helped revolutionise healthcare management. These software systems offer solutions for better compliance, effective customer service, easy claims processing, measurable marketing, high patient retention, and better care management.

Technologies Used in Healthcare Management

The importance of technology in hospital and healthcare management is deep-rooted. With the internet of medical technology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning, technology is paving the way for better care. Here are some of the technologies used in healthcare management:

Electronic hand-off tools

Technology has enabled electronic hand-off, which facilitates better communication among all caregivers. This makes passing patient-specific information from one caregiver to another or from the caregiver to the patient more efficient.

Electronic patient portals

An electronic patient portal is a secured online application that provides patients with important personal health information. It enables 2-way electronic communication through an app. Numerous studies have shown that these portals have improved outcomes of preventive care, disease awareness and self-management of diseases.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine involves using telecommunication technologies to facilitate patient seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients. Telemedicine further makes health-related information easily accessible. It can help in early diagnosis, prevention and timely treatment.

Health wearables

Health wearables can help in keeping track of heart rate and pace. They can further track your sleep routine, monitor your stress, track your blood pressure and help you with important health parameters. This can play a crucial role in preventing chronic health diseases.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence in healthcare helps analyse patient medical data to suggest diagnoses and treatment plans. AI also helps in comparing test results from hundreds of thousands of patients. It further aids in choosing the correct diagnoses and care plans to treat a disease or improve their lifestyle.

Blockchain Easing Transactions

Blockchain is a digital ledger of all transactions. It is anticipated that this technology might play a key role in keeping financial and electronic health records safe.

Healthcare Management Information Systems (HMIS)

HMIS help healthcare managers understand what needs improvement and what is working well. It also allows physicians to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies and cross-check drug interactions and lab results.

Impact of IT on Human Safety and Health

The integration of technology in healthcare management continues to revolutionise safety in healthcare. Electronic prescriptions have significantly reduced the risks of wrong prescriptions. Patient record keeping helps doctors get a complete history of the patient’s health without any misses. It also enables better communication among all caregivers, bridging the gap between different departments. Advanced technology facilitates real-time health tracking that aids in monitoring your health parameters. Studies have shown that these health-tracking apps can prevent potential heart attacks, send an alarm to nearby hospitals and alert you about lifestyle changes.As providers continue to expand their uses of healthcare technologies, key benefits are realized across different sectors of healthcare. Below we dive into three of the top benefits of technology in healthcare, and what you can do to begin reaping the rewards of innovation for your patients.

1. Faster & More Accurate Access to Patient Records

One of the most widespread uses of technology in healthcare is the adoption of electronic health records (EHR). EHRs make patient health information instantly accessible to providers and patients by supporting automated workflows between people and technologies. Patients don’t need to call the doctor’s office to learn their test results—they can simply review their EHR on the patient portal. Care teams can coordinate decision-making using the same up-to-date information. And administrative staff spend less time shuffling paperwork and making phone calls to exchange information. The challenge around EHRs is portability. Many technology providers are beginning to recognize this problem and offer EHR integrations that allow for easier adoption of new technologies.

2. Improved Access to Care

Healthcare access is one of the main barriers to quality care. Cost, distance, and physical limitations often prevent patients from receiving the care that they need, leading to delayed treatment. Disadvantaged populations are particularly affected, and providers can offer solutions that help them reap the benefits of technology in healthcare. Telehealth, for example, has proven to reduce emergency room visits and lower costs for patients and providers. Portable diagnostic tools, such as handheld fundus cameras, make it possible for providers to treat patients in their communities, instead of having to travel to an office.

3. Better Diagnostics

Technology has improved diagnostics in every way—from accuracy, to speed, to accessibility. Diagnostic technology plays a key role in addressing one of the biggest issues in healthcare: chronic illness. Illnesses like heart disease and diabetes are prevalent in the U.S., but technology can help reduce their severity. For example, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness among American adults, and it’s 90% preventable through proper diagnosis and treatment. Teleretinal imaging allows providers to capture retinal images and send them to board-certified eye care providers who review the images remotely. Because of its ease and convenience, teleretinal imaging increases diabetic retinal exam compliance and increases the likelihood of early detection. Learn more about diabetic teleretinal screening here.

How to Help Diabetic Patients Reap the Benefits of Technology in Healthcare

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the U.S., and many of its most severe outcomes are preventable. Providers of all kinds can access innovative technology to improve decision-making, increase access to care, and prevent serious illness for diabetic patients. Teleretinal imaging solutions like IRIS make it possible for general care providers to offer diabetic teleretinal screening exams to at-risk patients. Teleretinal imaging combines fundus photography with interpretation and a report from a licensed expert at the IRIS Reader Center.

About Fundus Cameras

Fundus cameras are a key technology component of a teleretinal solution, capturing a picture of the patient’s retina that is later interpreted for a potential eye disease. The process is very simple—the patient only needs to look into the lens and the camera does the rest. Many fundus cameras are easy to use, making it possible for general care providers to easily incorporate into their services. Providers can choose from a wide variety of cameras  to suit their working environment, capabilities and patient population. Some of the key specs to look for include in a fundus camera:
  • Tabletop vs. handheld. A tabletop camera is placed on a medical instrument table, while a handheld camera is smaller and more portable. Tabletop cameras are best for ease of use, while handheld cameras can be used in a variety of settings.
  • Minimum pupil size. An adult’s pupil can be as small as 2mm in diameter. Cameras with a lower minimum pupil size can be used on a wider range of people.
  • Mydriatic vs. non-mydriatic imaging modality. Mydriatic imaging requires dilation of the pupils and is best suited for ophthalmology settings. Non-mydriatic imaging doesn’t require dilation and is easier to use for non-specialists.
While the fundus camera is a key component of teleretinal imaging, it’s not the only technology involved. With IRIS, the images from the fundus camera are uploaded to a cloud-based grading platform. IRIS’ image enhancement technology ensures reviewers see the highest possible quality images. A licensed network of eye care providers review the images remotely, and results are automatically added to the patient’s EHR via EHR integrations.

Unlock the Benefits of Technology in Healthcare

Offering sight-saving care is one of the most impactful ways for providers to use technology to improve patient outcomes. At IRIS, we help with every step of the process—from finding the ideal camera to training staff to use the technology, to full integration with your existing EHR. Whether you want to reach more patients with mobile clinics or increase your in-office capabilities, we’ll help you leverage the technology successfully.
The healthcare industry is one of the most important and fastest-growing industries around the globe. It has also been a pioneer in adopting new technology. For example, previously, all referrals were recorded on paper; now, healthcare facilities use electronic health records (EHRs), which have improved healthcare quality and coordination. You went to your local doctor at the hospital for everything, and getting healthcare information was difficult and time-consuming. On the other hand, the use of mobile apps and wearable technology has led to better care for patients and easier access to health services.
In the last two decades, monumental advances have been made that have improved and innovated the way the healthcare industry provides patient care and the way the public expects to be treated. Not only is the healthcare industry becoming more reliant on technology, but patients are also becoming more tech-savvy and expect to be treated accordingly. The adoption of technology in healthcare is being driven by rising demand and a number of primary factors that are propelling technology into the mainstream.

What are the factors influencing healthcare technology?

Several factors influence healthcare technology. They include:
Patient care experience
One of the main drivers of healthcare innovation is the patient experience and quality of care. Healthcare providers are constantly looking for new ways to improve the care patients receive. They use mobile apps and wearable technology, for example, to assist with remote patient care. The industry as a whole has seen an increase in demand for better healthcare experiences in recent years.
The ability to store, share, and analyse health information is directly tied to improved technology, which in turn increases provider capabilities and patient access while improving the quality of life for some and saving the lives of others.
Patient Engagement
Patient engagement is another critical driver of healthcare innovation. Healthcare providers are always looking for new ways to engage patients in self-care, such as the use of social media and patient portals, which are helping to improve patient engagement. A recent study also found that mobile apps can help patients take their medicines as prescribed by reminding them when to take them and giving them feedback on how well they are doing.
Cost-effectiveness
Recently, healthcare providers have been looking at different ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste to compete in the global market. By automating tasks and making it easier to keep track of and manage patients, new technologies have helped reach this goal.
Age population
The number of people over the age of 65 is expected to double by 2050, presenting a challenge for the healthcare industry to devise ways to provide care for this population. Technology can assist in addressing this issue by making it more accessible.
Importance of technology in healthcare innovation
Technology is essential in healthcare as it allows providers to improve the quality and coordination of healthcare. Technology can assist in addressing this issue by making it more accessible. Additionally, technology can help reduce costs and make care for the ageing population more efficient.
Here are some reasons why healthcare technology is important.
Let’s now see some of the reasons why healthcare technology is important in the sector.
1. Improved communication and connectivity
Healthcare technology helps with communication and connectivity, which is an essential factor, allowing healthcare providers to collaborate and share information more easily. In a nutshell, technological progress is a key part of how healthcare innovation moves forward. Maintaining seamless coordination between healthcare providers and staff is critical because it allows for a more effective and coordinated care experience for patients. This goal can be reached with the help of new technologies that make it easier to connect and communicate. For example, using a secure messaging system can help reduce communication time and get a faster reply from healthcare providers.
Healthcare technology can also help to improve communication between patients and their healthcare providers. For example, a patient portal can allow patients to access their health information online, making it easy to track test results and request appointments.
2. Real-time recording, accessible to everyone, all the time
In addition, using electronic healthcare records (EHRs) can help improve communication between healthcare providers. Apart from allowing healthcare providers to share information quickly and easily, they also aid in the safe storage of large amounts of data.
3. Improved medication safety
Healthcare technology has advanced in the digital checks and balances that alert clinicians when they are about to prescribe medicines that may interact or that patients are allergic to. From computerised physician order entry (CPOE) systems to alerting features in EHRs, technological features have replaced books and human memory with automated safeguards that save lives.
4. Better medication reconciliation
EHRs were one of the first automated electronic reconciliation tools, but they didn’t include medicines from outside the system or network, and their accuracy depends primarily on patient memory or the patients bringing in a bag of pills. New technology tools have helped to overcome this issue. Adverse drug events are reduced, and adherence is improved, when technology provides a transparent, accurate picture of patient medication regimens.
5. Significant clinical data for analysis and treatment
Technology generates a large amount of data that can be used in patient care management. Pacemakers and stents communicate automatically via the Internet. Patients can use these devices to transmit their weight and blood glucose levels. Wearables transmit data on exercise and sleep patterns.
Furthermore, much of this data, as well as data from EHR and other platforms, is being synced with Big Data to generate reports and analytics that identify population trends and care management gaps. Technology combined with analytics has enabled the identification of best practises for optimising clinical and economic outcomes. Although some of this data deluge can be a double-edged sword for clinicians—at least until reimbursement, liability, and capacity issues are resolved—there is no doubt that it is enabling the ability to deliver better, more individualised care.

How is technology changing the way we treat patients?

Technology is changing the way we treat patients in many ways, for example, through telehealth. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to provide care to patients remotely. This can be helpful in treating patients with chronic diseases or providing mental health services. Technology is also changing the way we perform surgery, with robots assisting in performing operations with greater precision and accuracy. This is mostly helpful in removing cancerous tumours.
The future of healthcare technology is exciting and filled with potential. Many new technologies are being developed that can improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. The advent of healthcare technology will further bring innovation to the sector to make patient care more efficient and easy.
Implementing technology into medical enterprises has enriched the lives of many individuals all across the globe. Ranging from the invention of X-ray machines to advancements in surgical techniques, technology has heightened our life expectancy rates by making us healthier. Through platforms like Lecturio, information technology is formulated to offer personalized, affordable, and adaptive digital medical pedagogy. This will play a significant role in assisting you in acquainting yourself with how technology has upped healthcare.

How Has Technology Promoted Better Healthcare

There are multiple benefits of technology in the healthcare industry, which brings about a rapid shift in improved healthcare. The following are ways technology impacted healthcare.

Genome Sequencing

Genome sequencing is essentially decoding an individual’s genome. For this reason, it is referred to as the future of health care. Medical specialists’ ability to be equipped enough to sequence the human genome is one of the most tremendous in medical technology. The sequence informs scientists on the type of genetic progression carried by a particular segment of DNA. The provision of genomic information is beneficial in instantly extracting powerful indications and storing them for future detection. This genetic data is used to find the causes and origins of diseases and how to bring about good health.

Remote Monitoring Tools

If patients could monitor their health in their own homes, unnecessary doctor visits will be eliminated, and a lot of money will be saved. Tools such as pacemakers for patients who suffer from heart diseases are programmed to send data to health centers. There are also tools customized for patients living with chronic illnesses, and with them, the patients’ health can be monitored from hospitals irrespective of the distance. Basically, these tools oversee the supervising improvements and breakdowns of patients with preexisting conditions requiring keen and close monitoring, which cuts in half the workload that would have otherwise been involved. Their ability to record this data and billing is an added advantage.

Telemedicine / Telehealth

In remote areas where health care services and hospitals are a bit easy to access, patients can communicate with doctors virtually through their phones and computers. This way, the medical expenses are a lot more substantial.
  • Telemedicine: this refers to the utilization of electronic communication and IT to provide medical services for patients situated in remote areas. Remote medical evaluations and diagnoses, virtual consultations, and digital transmission of medical imaging are all illustrations of telemedicine.
  • Telehealth: telehealth technology allows the remote review and diagnosis of patients and the proficiency for distant detection of oscillations in patients’ medical conditions to alter the specific therapy and medications accordingly. Telehealth also facilitates e-prescribe treatments remotely.

Wearable Technology

Technology has introduced wearable medical tools, and they are rapidly taking root in the medical market. These wearables are a category of electrically powered devices that could be implanted in the user’s body, accessories, tattooed on the skin, or embedded in clothing. They do not require any manual operation and are microprocessor powered and can receive and transmit data through the internet to allow users to monitor their health. Wearable devices are used to gather data that will aid patients, and doctors will need to assess and regulate the wearer’s health. These devices are featured to notify the authorities of acute medical crises.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Any medic will confess that electronic health records are an immensely significant advancement in the healthcare field. It promotes a myriad of upgrades in medical treatment and diagnostics. Unlike in the past, where medical records were clumsily handled, EHRs enable fast information, recording, storage, and transfer of medical files and efficient care integration.

Many hail the wave of technological progress as Mankind’s greatest gift to himself. Indeed, the pervasive nature of technology has permeated every stratum of our society, and the healthcare field is no exception. The advent of technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry in multifarious ways, and this blog will discuss various aspects of how this modernizing wave has benefitted the healthcare field.

Here are the 5 key benefits of leveraging technology in healthcare:

  1. Easy access to patient medical records

  2. Reduction in medical errors

  3. Greater patient care

  4. Improved patient education

  5. Reduction in cost

1. Easy access to patient medical records

The collection of patients’ data is one of the most paramount aspects in the healthcare field. Medical data is essential for doctors to analyze the patient’s situation and illness and then to find a possible cure for it. In the past, patient records used to create large amounts of paperwork because everything was on paper and pen. Accessing past records was troublesome. However, with the advent of digitalisation, the medical information of patients can be keyed into a cloud-based, digitized system. This has provided extraordinary ease for specialists, patients, and medical billers to access with a click of a button, from anywhere at anytime.

This system is called Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), or Electronic Health Records (EHRs). It is a collection of patient and population health information electronically stored in a digital format. Sameer Bhargava, who serves as the chief information officer and chief technology officer at Caregiver, Inc., emphasized the much-needed efficiencies EHRs had provided them with. Across an eight-month period, his team migrated eight million records from paper to an EHR system. “Moving to electronic records elevates our care ecosystem into a cohesive process that can provide a better network of services,” Bhargava says. Therefore, technology has simplified the collection of medical records, enabling providers to mine out patients’ information in a matter of minutes.

2. Reduction in medical errors

Medical errors are an increasing public concern as they are repeated constantly and are inevitable parts of the results of human performance. According to official Starfield, and the American Institute of Medicine (IOM), medical errors in U.S. hospitals and healthcare institutions are the third leading cause of death and nearly 98,000 annual deaths occur due to medical errors in hospitals.

Fortunately, technology has facilitated the development of systems that are proven to reduce medical errors and save more lives. The clinical Decision Support (CDS) system provides the health care professional with medical information and patient-specific information. This information is rationally filtered and presented to the healthcare professional at appropriate times, intending to enhance the decision-making of the healthcare provider. It is capable of providing evidence-based standards and guidance; procedures and protocols; rules and recommendations for care, etc. A study done by RA. Miller and colleagues showed that the CDS system reduces serious medication errors by 55% and total medication errors by 83%, highlighting the transcendent power of such a system to aid healthcare professionals in their diagnosis.

3. Greater patient care

The use of technology can increase patient engagement, providing insight to help create hyper-targeted, personalized health and wellness plans. Devices in the form of wearables like fitness bands and other wirelessly connected devices like Fitbits can monitor one’s blood pressure and Electrocardiograph (ECG), giving patients and specialists access to personalized information. These devices can depict calorie count, exercise checks, appointments, blood pressure variations, etc.

Specialists can keep track of patients’ health more efficaciously, such as their adherence to treatment plans, etc. This is especially pertinent for elderly patients and those living alone, where their family members or concerned healthcare providers will be promptly alerted if any abnormality is detected. As such, such technological gadgets ensure that patients enjoy superlative care, enhancing the healthcare experience and quality for all.

4. Improved patient education

Patient education takes on an imperative role in healthcare, and specialists are embracing technologies that can help better inform and engage patients. According to the results of a recent survey of 200 U.S. physicians conducted by PatientPoint and Digital Health Coalition, more than 75% of physicians believe that leveraging patient education and engagement technology can help improve the patient experience. 95% of respondents also reported that they were currently using engagement technology tools to educate and engage with patients.

Technology has provided softwares and applications that present customized health education information to patients based on their specific needs and conditions. For example, the Patient Electronic Portal is a secure online application that provides patients access to their personal health information and 2-way electronic communication with their care provider using a computer or a mobile device. A study has found that this application has increased patients’ compliance to preventive medical precautions, their medical adherence, and self-awareness and management of their diseases.

5. Reduction in costs

Medical errors in U.S hospitals and clinics cost $USD 20 Billion a year. The reduction in medical errors directly reduces costs for both the practitioners and patients. By leveraging technology to reduce diagnosis and prescription errors

While the shift from paper to Medical EMR in clinics can reduce the costs of outpatient care by 3 percent. This is estimated to be $5.14 in savings per patient each month. A cloud EMR significantly reduces the usage of paper in practice and cost in various other errors.

The adoption of technology in healthcare over the years has led to better diagnosis and treatment of patients. Out of all the benefited sectors from technology adoption, healthcare is probably the most important one. Consequently, it improved the quality of life over time, and it has saved many lives. But what are some of the benefits of technology in healthcare? And what are some groundbreaking medical technologies in healthcare right now?

Benefits of Information Technology in Healthcare

The benefits of information technology in healthcare or Health Information Technology, as else called, are plenty. To begin, IT enables health practitioners to store and retrieve data relating to a patient’s health records. It also enhances the communication of patient information through a legible format that anyone can use. As a result, it reduces the chance of medication errors. Finally, it makes it easier to retrieve patient information through a database without new health checks. All the above technologies in healthcare have a thing in common; they improve health and patient safety. The use of medical technology tools safeguards patient safety. First, there are alerts on medication, flags and reminders, consultation and diagnosis reports, and the easier availability of patient data. Particularly, alerts can help someone adhere to specific treatments and schedules of treatment. Also, an electronic recording of data can lead to uniformity of practice across all health practitioners. Finally, using an electronic health record can improve provided care for common conditions based on past evidence.

Medical Technologies

Someone cannot argue that technology in healthcare is a new thing. We use medical technology from the most severe case to the simplest medical case, like breaking a bone. From plaster to robotic surgery, technological advancement is always present and undisputable. Nevertheless, behind every medical technology, there is the patient in mind. In recent years there have been many groundbreaking advancements in technology in healthcare:
  • 3-D printing: 3-D printing has been around for some years in many fields. When it comes to medicine, it creates implants or even joints for surgery. It is also prevalent in prosthetics as it can create perfect matching limbs allowing extra comfort and mobility.
  • Artificial organs: Like 3-D printing, but for actual and operational organs, the patient’s immune system will not be rejected. Else called bio-printing is an up-and-coming area in technology in healthcare that could save millions of patients every year.
  • Robotic surgery: Adds control, precision, and flexibility to a surgeon’s hands to operate as non-invasively as possible to a patient. It has allowed making certain operations easier or even possible.
  • Health wearables: They Began as a fitness tracker to track heart rate and pace, and they highlighted healthcare potential. Health wearables can detect cardiovascular anomalies earlier and prevent severe conditions.
  • Virtual reality (VR): VR is being used heavily in recent years but mainly for entertainment purposes. However, virtual reality can help medical students have “real life” experiences in procedures and a visual understanding of human anatomy.
  • Telehealth: It is a very up-and-coming market that allows patients receive medical care through digital devices. Patients can easily have access to their doctor while they can receive a diagnosis and medical advice. You’ll need the right platforms for this; such as a website builder and CRM

1. FASTER & MORE ACCURATE ACCESS TO PATIENT RECORDS

Technology has revolutionized healthcare with various advancements, including adoption of electronic health records (EHR). EHRs have significantly impacted by providing quick access to patient health information for healthcare providers and patients. In addition, the automated workflows between people and technologies have made the process seamless, making it easier to manage patient healthcare information. With EHR, patients and providers can have peace of mind knowing that crucial health information is always just a few clicks away. Patients no longer rely on phone calls to obtain their test results. With the help of patient portals and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patients can now easily access their test results online. This also enables care teams to make informed decisions based on the most up-to-date information. In addition, administrative staff can now avoid time-consuming tasks such as paperwork and phone calls that were once necessary for exchanging information.

2. INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY

The impact of technology and healthcare has been remarkable, streamlining various processes and increasing efficiency. For example, with automated appointment scheduling, billing, and inventory management systems, healthcare professionals can now focus more on providing quality care to their patients. This has significantly reduced administrative burdens, improving productivity and better patient outcomes. Furthermore, the use of advanced medical devices and equipment has revolutionized the way diagnoses are made. With faster and more precise diagnoses, patients receive quick and accurate treatment without requiring invasive procedures or multiple tests. Technology in the healthcare industry makes it more efficient, productive and patient-centered. Integrating automated systems and advanced medical equipment has improved patient outcomes, productivity, and more streamlined processes.

3. IMPROVED ACCESS TO CARE

Access to quality healthcare is a significant challenge for many patients, with factors such as cost, distance, and physical limitations often getting in the way of timely treatment. This is especially true for disadvantaged populations who are more likely to experience barriers to care. Fortunately, healthcare providers can leverage technology to help patients overcome these challenges and gain access to the care they need. By offering solutions that take advantage of advances in healthcare technology, providers can help ensure that all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve. Telehealth has been a game-changer for the healthcare industry, enabling patients to access care from the comfort of their homes. This innovative approach has helped reduce the number of emergency room visits and significantly lower costs for patients and providers. Additionally, advanced portable diagnostic tools, like handheld fundus cameras, have made it possible for healthcare professionals to treat patients in their communities without the need to travel to a traditional office.

4. PATIENT EMPOWERMENT AND EDUCATION

Technology has revolutionized the way we approach healthcare. Today, patients can access a wealth of information about their health, enabling them to make informed decisions and take control of their well-being. From online resources to mobile applications and wearable devices, technology provides individuals with powerful tools to track their fitness, monitor vital signs, and manage chronic conditions more effectively. With easy access to such advanced technologies, patients are empowered to lead healthier, more productive lives. Patients can access various educational materials, connect with supportive communities, and actively participate in virtual health communities. These resources allow patients to feel empowered and engaged in their healthcare journey, leading to improved health outcomes and a sense of control over their well-being.

5. INCREASED MOBILITY

Mobile software applications have revolutionized healthcare accessibility for patients and professionals alike. These apps provide a hassle-free way for individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. With mobile apps, you can receive checkup reminders, access general medical information, and securely view test results online without waiting for an appointment with your GP. This saves time and effort and enables individuals to take quicker action on their health concerns. With the convenience of mobile apps, managing your health and staying informed has always been challenging. Healthcare professionals are often on the move, making it difficult to access essential information promptly. By providing mobile access to the intranet or a shared tablet, healthcare professionals can quickly and easily access critical information about diseases and drugs, clinical images, and other essential resources supporting their daily work. This mobile access also allows continued education activities to be easily accessible, ensuring healthcare professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

6. RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS

Technology has revolutionized medical research and data analysis, paving the way for significant advancements in healthcare knowledge and treatment options. With the help of large-scale databases and powerful analytics tools, researchers can now analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify patterns, and gain valuable insights that can inform evidence-based practices. This leads to the development of personalized medicine and improved treatment protocols, enabling faster identification of public health trends and outbreaks. By leveraging the latest technological innovations, the healthcare industry can continue to make great strides in improving patient outcomes and overall population health.
Technology has a massive impact on how healthcare is delivered. Right from the smart devices we wear to machines used in hospitals to aid in critical surgeries, technology has made massive strides in simplifying and improving the efficiency of care. Technology has also improved access to information, knowledge and methodologies of care making for improved patient experiences. In schools, technology plays a key role today. School based EHR systems are simplifying management and access of student health records. They are helping school nurses tracking immunization statuses, meet mandatory reporting requirements of local bodies and the state, manage communication with parents and guardians, track health screenings and so on.

How technology is transforming school-based health care

Healthcare providers, delivery systems, health plans and information technology play a role in promoting healthy development and improving student outcomes. Childcare and wellness assessments include reviews on growth, nutrition, development, behavior and school progress, sleep, elimination, and social and family issues; universal screening for common problems such as hearing and vision defects, anemia, and scoliosis; targeted screening of subgroups for conditions such as tuberculosis, lead poisoning; and vaccination. In these contexts, the adoption of digital technologies has revolutionized the delivery of healthcare and helped in improving outcomes both for patients and for healthcare workers. Using technology is nothing new for school nursing, which has taken the lead most times over the past ten years in using it to engage and collaborate with kids, teenagers, families, and stakeholders. Post the pandemic, schools, and school-based health centers were motivated to adopt new technologies and approaches. The major goals that the school healthcare system accomplished with new technologies were
  • Increased access to healthcare and lowering healthcare costs
  • Better coordination and consolidation in healthcare delivery.
  • Simplified prevention and management of chronic diseases.
  • Providing medical help and responding to demographic healthcare trends.

What technological trends influenced school healthcare?

One of the key technologies that influenced medicine was EHRs (Electronic Health Records). National League of Nursing (NLN) provided a vision for preparing nursing students for technology. The focus was on electronic health records (EHR) and informatics. Electronic Health Records are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart. For more than a quarter-century, healthcare organizations in the US have been moving from paper-based medical record practices to using electronic health records. They enable organizations to reduce the high rate of medical errors that occur with timely alerts, by providing relevant information for decision-making, while also serving as a tool for increasing patient safety and reducing overall healthcare costs. They also provide tools to improve clinical accuracy, such as reminders, alarms, and automated processes. Using electronic information and telecommunication technologies has helped school nurses and health practitioners to facilitate long-distance health care, patient and professional health-related education, and health administration. Technology continues to have a positive impact on the nursing field and healthcare. Nurses already use EHR systems, wearable devices, and telemedicine to meet the health needs of their patients. Although experts do not always agree on what the future of healthcare looks like, nurses will continue to use machinery and artificial intelligence technology to see more patients per day, administer medications more efficiently, and monitor conditions with complete confidence. Telehealth or telemedicine is also a rising trend in school health care due to its wide uses. Through telehealth, school nurses can address the health needs of students and their families. Telehealth can be used to address physical or mental/emotional health issues, improve student attendance, and increase the work productivity of parents and caregivers. Telehealth, as a primary care partner, can help to reduce communicable disease outbreaks by enabling providers to quickly diagnose and treat illness, as well as improve student attendance. Wearable technology is also a trend that can be utilized in health care. It can be used to enable users to easily track their movements throughout the day. Metrics such as total steps taken, heart rate, run or ride pace, or the amount and quality of sleep each night assist individuals in better identifying, tracking, and achieving their health and fitness goals. The regular information acquired from the wearable monitor can be used for medical purposes. This information can be used as a starting point when communicating with health care providers about general wellness goals or other health markers. Beyond fitness, wearable technologies are advancing to monitor vital statistics such as a user’s heart rate, lung function, blood oxygen level, and blood sugar. They are even being developed to track and alert the onset of degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
any innovative leaps in health technology have been made in the centuries people have been practicing medicine, yet few have had as much widespread influence or impact as digital technology. Dramatic improvements in networking and computers have not only expanded options for medical treatments but have also transformed how clinicians perform their jobs. Although forward thinkers started discussing the possibility of using computers in medicine as early as the 1960s (link resides outside ibm.com), computers were initially too expensive and unreliable for medical practices to rely on. As technology improved and costs came down, policies and data standards (link resides outside ibm.com) were created to encourage healthcare organizations to adopt new technology not just for medical equipment, like diagnostic imaging machines, but also for everyday record keeping. Paper medical records were digitized and mostly replaced with electronic health records (EHRs) that help make it easier for health data like test results or diagnoses to be accessed efficiently and securely. Using EHR systems or other technologies while engaging with patients and creating treatment plans is now standard practice. Laptops and tablets have become just as common in healthcare settings as stethoscopes, and there’s growing evidence that EHRs are having a positive effect on accessing and exchanging health information. However, one large challenge EHRs have created is the accumulation of large amounts of unintegrated and unstandardized data. Currently, most healthcare organizations have a wealth of data they could use to improve their procedures and business practices, but they might not have the tools or expertise to uncover insights in that data. Newer technologies, like cloud, blockchain and AI tools based on machine learning, can help healthcare organizations uncover patterns in large amounts of data while also making that data more secure and easier to manage. As the healthcare industry faces new challenges, technology solutions are helping leaders to improve performance, increase collaboration across systems and manage costs. As demands on organizations increase, healthcare technology can streamline processes, automate tasks and improve workflows at a scale that’s not possible for humans alone. As providers at hospitals and health systems embrace value-based health reimbursement models, these solutions are helping healthcare professionals to improve patient care, create better experiences and reduce burnout.  

How technology has changed healthcare

Many innovative leaps in health technology have been made in the centuries people have been practicing medicine, yet few have had as much widespread influence or impact as digital technology. Dramatic improvements in networking and computers have not only expanded options for medical treatments but have also transformed how clinicians perform their jobs. Although forward thinkers started discussing the possibility of using computers in medicine as early as the 1960s (link resides outside ibm.com), computers were initially too expensive and unreliable for medical practices to rely on. As technology improved and costs came down, policies and data standards (link resides outside ibm.com) were created to encourage healthcare organizations to adopt new technology not just for medical equipment, like diagnostic imaging machines, but also for everyday record keeping. Paper medical records were digitized and mostly replaced with electronic health records (EHRs) that help make it easier for health data like test results or diagnoses to be accessed efficiently and securely. Using EHR systems or other technologies while engaging with patients and creating treatment plans is now standard practice. Laptops and tablets have become just as common in healthcare settings as stethoscopes, and there’s growing evidence that EHRs are having a positive effect on accessing and exchanging health information. However, one large challenge EHRs have created is the accumulation of large amounts of unintegrated and unstandardized data. Currently, most healthcare organizations have a wealth of data they could use to improve their procedures and business practices, but they might not have the tools or expertise to uncover insights in that data. Newer technologies, like cloud, blockchain and AI tools based on machine learning, can help healthcare organizations uncover patterns in large amounts of data while also making that data more secure and easier to manage. As the healthcare industry faces new challenges, technology solutions are helping leaders to improve performance, increase collaboration across systems and manage costs. As demands on organizations increase, healthcare technology can streamline processes, automate tasks and improve workflows at a scale that’s not possible for humans alone. As providers at hospitals and health systems embrace value-based health reimbursement models, these solutions are helping healthcare professionals to improve patient care, create better experiences and reduce burnout.

Benefits of technology in healthcare

Improving patient care and experiences
Using technology to measure and capture data across the whole system of patient care gives health organizations a big-picture view of how they’re performing. Technology also helps to automate that measurement so organizations can continuously review their results, spot issues that need to be fixed and uncover ways to enhance care and the patient experience.
Real-time information exchange
From clinicians to patients to payers, many different groups need to be able to access health records for different reasons. Traditionally, organizations have had to maintain different records for each group. But with new technology that makes it easier for digital patient records to be standardized and stored securely, more organizations are integrating their data so that authorized people can access the records they need at the time they need them.
Flexibility for patients and clinicians
Patients are busy and finding time for appointments can be a struggle. Telemedicine technology and patient portals provide more ways for people to communicate with health professionals. Wearable technology, like heart monitors, also gives clinicians more ways to evaluate the well-being of their patients and provides them with more options to record and evaluate symptoms as patients go about their lives.

AI technology in healthcare

Many current efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence in healthcare are focused on clinical-decision support and uncovering useful insights from large collections of data. Healthcare organizations have accumulated so much data that it would be impossible to analyze it without AI. AI-enabled tools can sift through the large and complex data sets generated from electronic records, notes, images, sensors and devices to find trends that could improve patient care and help researchers develop better treatments for medical conditions. Although AI technology is still relatively new, there are many use cases that could benefit organizations across the healthcare industry.

Blockchain in healthcare

Blockchain technology in the healthcare industry offers a user-centered way for health information to be securely gathered, verified and shared. Most blockchain systems provide a transparent, distributed ledger of records that cannot be changed without the changes being recorded. The technology can be used to anonymize and safeguards patient data while also providing full transparency and interoperability across diverse, distributed and highly fragmented healthcare systems.

Cloud computing in healthcare

When most people think of cloud technology, they think of the cloud as a place to store data. Yet cloud environments do more than passive data storage. Cloud environments offer ways for healthcare organizations to build and customize applications that can automate how data moves through their information technology systems. Hybrid cloud environments in particular offer security features that can help organizations maintain compliance with HIPAA and other regulations while giving them the flexibility they need to move data around to where it needs to go. This flexibility also provides healthcare providers with more options for updating existing legacy systems and workflows. Cloud adoption opens up opportunities for organizations to use AI and machine learning tools too, which can help uncover hidden patterns and insights that improve how care is delivered.  

Telehealth technology

During the COVID19 pandemic, many providers pivoted to offering appointments through telemedicine. Many payers also adapted to these changes by offering equitable reimbursement for telemedicine and providing better billing options. Even after the pandemic subsides, the technology ecosystem that supports telemedicine will most likely persist due to the convenience and flexibility it provides. Patients, especially people who live in remote locations or who work outside of traditional business hours, appreciate having more options for connecting with clinicians whether they’re using video software on a computer or a mobile app on their phones.

Driving interoperability through technology

Interoperability, which is a seamless exchange of data across systems and organizations, is crucial for driving digital transformation in the healthcare industry. It creates benefits for patients and providers by making relevant data easier to access without sacrificing security or privacy. When clinicians have to do less work to find the information they need, they have more time to focus on making the best decisions for their patients. Additionally, healthcare interoperability can lower the total cost of care by reducing the number of unnecessary or repeated tests as well as helping clinicians make diagnoses sooner.
 

How do we apply healthcare technology?

From massive diagnostic imaging scanners to tiny wearable sensors, technology is an integral part of modern healthcare. In addition to new treatments and medical procedures, technology has improved many healthcare business processes as well. Many people have come to enjoy the conveniences of scheduling appointments online, accessing test results and records with just a few clicks, or sending questions to their providers through email or text. Here are just a few examples of the areas in which healthcare technology innovations are supporting the next wave of advances in healthcare: Disease diagnosis and treatment Using AI to process data, like medical images, and develop disease models can potentially help clinicians make diagnoses with more precision. For example, recent work from IBM Research has show that AI can be used to recognize and interpret brain activity patterns in MRIs to track the progression of neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Huntington’s disease. Medical imaging Computers and AI models are particularly valuable in medical imaging because they can help turn pictures into numbers and detect trends. These innovations can help radiologists and other clinicians manage the incredibly large volume of images they have to review by identifying high-value findings and bringing anomalies to their attention. Healthcare operations Many hospitals and healthcare systems are starting to build on improvements they’ve seen with electronic medical records and find other ways to systematically improve their operations. Cloud technology, analytics and mobile technology are just a few of the technologies organizations are using to optimize their digital infrastructure. Clinical research Life sciences organizations are using technology to transform how clinical trials are being performed. Smart devices, telehealth visits and sensors are being used to support decentralized trials that make data collection more efficient and convenient for the people who participate.