Is The Future Of Healthcare Online?
Technological advancements in the health care industry have been lagging. However, in recent years, the adoption of the technologies has led to medical breakthroughs and better healthcare management. The tech trends have improved the quality of life, especially for people who have long-term ailments. They can monitor their health using remote monitoring devices and consult an online doctor in case of emergencies. Read on to discover tech trends which are improving online healthcare management.
Chatbots
Artificial intelligence led to the introduction of Chatbots and their application is gaining popularity in the healthcare industry. They assist patients in managing healthcare remotely. For instance, patients can book medical appointments from the comfort of their homes or find a medical facility within their area in case of an emergency. Chatbots provide 24/7 accessibility to medical care through virtual nursing. The doctors can interact with the patients without any hassles and provide advice. It also comes in handy for patients with long-term illness since they can be used as friendly reminders for taking medication or refilling drugs. Chatbots not only improve health management but they also mitigate risk by providing information on side effects of drugs. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Digital Health Records
Traditionally, medical records were available in hardcopies stored in large files. The records made it difficult for doctors to access patients’ medical history. With the advent of telemedicine, all medical records have been digitised. The availability of medical records has improved healthcare by enabling doctors to make accurate diagnosis by studying a patient’s medical history. Cloud computing has also improved information sharing between medical facilities ensuring patients get the best treatment.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Internet is improving the quality of life by enhancing the functionality of multiple tools. With the number of devices that can be connected to the internet being at an all-time high, numerous opportunities for online healthcare are available. The devices can collect data and relay the information to the health facilities. An excellent example is the remote monitoring tools, which comes in form of wearable devices. The devices are linked to a health system and they can record vital signs like body temperature, pressure, and blood sugar levels.
The IoMT-based devices come in handy for senior citizens and patients with medical conditions that require constant attention. Apart from collecting data, the devices will notify emergency personnel in the area or caretakers when patients’ vital signs present an anomaly. The devices have vastly improved personal care by reducing fatal outcomes during medical emergencies.
Blockchain
With digitisation of records and all the talk about big data, information security is a significant concern. However, with the existence of Blockchain you do not need to worry about data breaches. Many people associate Blockchain with cryptocurrencies but it serves numerous purposes apart from Bitcoin trading. It is a virtual ledger which stores and maintains information in a network of personal computers. The storage is decentralised and the data is encrypted making it highly secure. Using Blockchain technology in healthcare industry increases accessibility to medical files improving patients’ care. The system also keeps track of information sharing to ensure it is done in a transparent manner to avoid fraud.
Telehealth
Telemedicine simplifies and improves the quality of lives of patients and health care providers. Telehealth employs digital communication to convey medical information to people in remote areas. With accessibility to healthcare services, patients can get specialised treatment from professionals. The medical services are accessible through a web portal, Chatbot or video conferencing and any digital channel. Telemedicine provides convenience in getting medical attention. Apart from E-health patient services, telehealth also allows anyone with a phone to monitor their vital signs and consult with a doctor online.
Tech trends in the healthcare industry are changing people’s lives. The technologies are vital in improving medical outcomes by increasing accessibility to healthcare. In addition, it also increases patient involvement in personal care through remote monitoring tools and seeking help from online doctors.