When we talk about healthcare, we always think about pills and injections. And when the topic is medicine, technology is the last thing that comes to mind. Because the ideas behind both fields are very different, we never think of them together. Thus, we naturally assume that both areas have no connection.
But in reality, technology and medicine go hand in hand—the advancement of one field results in the betterment of the other. You can say that the healthcare industry could not survive without newer and modern technologies and vice versa. In comparison, one field saves lives, the other works for the betterment of it. If you still have doubts, we will try to change your mind. Following are some examples that explain how technology is improving the healthcare sector:
- Virtual Appointments
One of the most convenient impacts of technology on healthcare includes virtual appointments. With software and video technology, patients have the liberty to attend their physician’s meetings from their homes’ comfort. Meaning, you do not have to plan your holiday according to your doctor’s visit schedule anymore. Also, you do not have to wait for hours in the waiting area. On the contrary, you can visit your physician with the touch of a button. You can not only discuss your health issues but also consult with your regular blood work.
Similarly, advanced video technology allows the doctor to see and examine patients properly. If you think about it, technology has essentially put a doctor’s office in your handheld smartphone.
- Better and Accurate Screening
Thanks to the new screening machines, doctors can identify diseases at an early stage. Lesions like tumors and other masses that we usually cannot see with normal radiographs are becoming visible with modern screening. And since these get diagnosed early, they are treated on time. On the contrary, when these diseases are diagnosed late, their management gets harder. It explains why cancer was once an untreatable problem. But now, with early detection and intervention, the majority of cases get resolved.
Not only that, but these machines have also opened gates to precise treatments. In a way, you can say that it has connected humans to technology. With tests like EKG and holter, a person’s heartbeat gets converted into number readings,and an EKG technician analyzes them. They provide a proper evaluation to the patient. These readings represent a human heart and disclose problems that we fail to realize from regular monitoring.
- ComputerizedHealth Records
Computerized health records are another example of how technology is improving our healthcare system. It is massive data containing the medical information of every individual. You can also say that these up-to-date electronic health records are bridging the gap between different hospitals and clinics. Now, if you visit several healthcare facilities or stick to one, everyone will have your medical record available. Meaning, you won’t have to deal with the pre-appointment history and examination phase.
These health records are vital for emergencies. When a patient comes into the ER unconscious or unable to deliver proper history, these records come in help. With every little detail concise in one place, doctors receive accurate and up-to-date information. This information then helps them plan and execute proper treatments for their patients.
- Less Invasive Approach
With the advent of laser technology and laparoscopic procedures, surgical treatments’ usual protocol has changed a lot. The procedures that typically required large incisions and significant tissue exposure now require little to no incisions. The surgeons only need a small incision through which they pass their camera. Other than that, every part of the surgery uses the help of remote tools. Similarly, laser technology has opened gates to non-invasive surgical procedures. From removing some kidney stones to gums’ recontouring, the laser has proved a vital medicine asset. Due to these advancements in our healthcare system, most treatments come under the elective category. Meaning, the patient’s average stay in the hospital has decreased from weeks to a few days. Some patients get discharged on the same day of their procedure. Thus, you can say that this incorporation of technology did not only improve treatments but also made them readily available.
- 3D Printing Technology For Prosthetics
3D printing technology has simplified the issues of prosthetic surgeries. With an excellent 3D printer, you can get a model of anything on any material. So, when we started using this technology in healthcare, it opened the gates to an affordable prosthesis. All experts needed was some biocompatible material, and they produced everything from a tooth to a bone. Right now, this machine is serving in many healthcare facilities. We use it for both internal and external prosthetic devices. As opposed to other expensive options, 3D models are not only inexpensive but reliable too.
- Quick Response to Emergencies
Due to the advancement in technology, we have been able to control medical emergencies more efficiently. Even only a few years ago, the ER department was always unpredictable. When patients with severe injuries come in without informing, the situation quickly gets out of hand. Due to the modern ways of communication, we can control these emergencies in a better way. The hospital is usually informed about the patient and his/her condition a while before entering the ER. That way, the doctors are aware of what they are about to see, so they prepare accordingly.
Similarly, hospitals are informed and prepared according to the protocols when there is a natural disaster or any other catastrophe. All of this gets done through simple telephonic communication. But in a hospital, where even minutes are essential, these calls sometimes work as lifesavers.
The bottom line
Technology has opened gates to unimaginable advancement in the healthcare system. From rapid response to emergencies to accurate screening, modern devices provide a positive shift in this field. While many of us still like to stick to the old ways, we all know that this advancement is inevitable. Modern technology is not only improving the healthcare sector, but it is also making it inclusive for all. With cheaper prostheses and virtual appointments, no one is left behind from getting proper medical care. And this change will not stop here. As the new technologies are under process, we can only imagine what the future holds forthe healthcare sector.
