Healthcare Technology Featured Article

October 07, 2022

The Impact of Technology in Healthcare




Technology in healthcare is a relatively new term. Although innovators have talked about using technology and computers in healthcare since the sixties, such practices were too costly at that time. Additionally, advancements in technology weren’t properly tested, making it difficult to implement computers into day-to-day medical operations. Fast forward to today, it’s clear that technology has changed the way we work, and the healthcare sector isn’t an exception.

Not only do technological tools expand the possibilities of medical treatments, but they also improve many operations, saving time and costs for industry experts. For example, implementing machines and using digital tools helped medical institutions track medical records easier while helping patients access treatment data easier. Keep on reading to learn more about how technology impacted the healthcare sector.

Patient Portals Provide More Flexibility

Thanks to the global pandemic, telehealth has become the next great thing, and it appears that it’s here to stay. Once used as a way to restrict the spread of the virus, it’s now an efficient method to access health services. That’s because some patients live in rural areas, while others struggle to find the time to book an appointment.

As a result, patient portals and telemedicine technology are a solution to solving this issue. Patients no longer need to visit physical healthcare centers. Doctors. Practice nurses and other medical practitioners can ensure correct personalized treatment plans all over a single phone call or by using a special internal video-conferencing service. This way, people can avoid unnecessary face-to-face meetings, at the same time, receive the needed treatment guidelines.

Automated and Efficient Internal Processes

Similar to financial institutions, healthcare professionals operate in a strictly regulated environment, which means that they need to maintain a detailed security policy by following countless administrative procedures. This is where technology comes into play. Daily processes now have technology helping with efficient workflow management.

Modern digital healthcare services are known for:

  • Reduced costs
  • Better patient outcomes
  • Cutting-edge online platforms
  • Automated procedures
  • Operational efficiency

For instance, patients nowadays fill out digital forms that are automatically forwarded to the appropriate department for review. Additionally, organization-wide procedures and information, along with training material, can be sent online. That means the staff can gain new skills without having to participate in on-site training sessions or traveling a long distance.

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

Big data, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) are also used in various fields of healthcare, typically applications that are designed for hospitals. Cognitive computer systems enable sample analyses, which are made by investigating repetitive patterns and processes. This is especially useful for radiological diagnosis. In the meantime, AI is used to predict future behaviors and functions, which powers machines to learn and improve the work of humans.

Other use cases of deep learning and artificial intelligence can be used for determining patients’ time of death or automatically prescribing the best-suited medication for ill patients. AI helps monitor the status of any patient, alerting doctors if they are needed to be transferred to palliative care, for example. Of course, let’s not forget surgical robots that can now perform complex surgeries that would typically require hours of work for highly skilled surgeons.

Applications and Increased Mobility

Overall, health-tracking using apps and smart watches has become a global trend for a reason. More patients are turning to their smart devices for advice, prescriptions, and other convenient services regarding their health. Mobile applications provide the benefit of having more control over your health without having to rely on in-person meetings with the doctor.

Like other apps, convenience and immediate access to services play a huge role in the success of healthcare applications. By using an app on your phone, you can securely check information about your health and receive updates in a matter of seconds, 24/7.

Here are some benefits of using healthcare apps:

  • They are user-friendly and very easy to use.
  • Apps provide clear information and inform patients about the next steps.
  • You can communicate with professionals easier.
  • You’re part of a remote community where you can share your experience.

Despite that, with every technological invention comes the risks of cyberattacks. The healthcare sector safeguards medical apps that hold important patient data by implementing authentication services, similar to iDenfy and its remote ID verification solution.  That means if you want to register for a medical clinic’s app, you might need to verify your identity first for security reasons. This way, medical institutions prevent hackers from compromising their networks.

Final Words

Technology has made a huge impact on the healthcare industry. From smoothening out internal processes to enabling surgeries that are performed remotely by robots, it’s crystal clear that technology comes in handy. Patients no longer need to wait in lines, as they can book a medical appointment using an app. Healthcare businesses can communicate with their clients better by providing them with treatment and test results with just a few clicks. It appears it’s just the beginning, as technology will most likely progress, bringing new benefits to the healthcare sector.

By Domantas Ciulde



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