Healthcare technology is advancing the industry.
Over the past few years, the healthcare industry has gone through a massive digital transformation. From greater data security to data analytics and automation, the benefits of advanced tech solutions for this sector are multiple.
Here are several technologies that are transforming healthcare.
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence reshapes the healthcare industry in multiple ways. Here are some of them.
Healthcare Technology Advancement: Customer Service and Fast Feedback
AI chatbots and virtual assistants act like customer service representatives. They provide real-time feedback, 24/7. Patients can use them to ask questions, book medical appointments, or send feedback.
Apart from providing customer support in real-time, chatbots can also be reliable diagnostic tools or even therapists. They promote healthy habits and behaviors to help patients stay healthy.
Healthcare Technology Benefit: Early Disease Detection
Robotics allows the detection of diseases, such as cancer, in their early phases. AI-enabled tools can diagnose breast cancer risk 30 times faster than doctors, with 99% accuracy. They scan thousands of pathology images of various cancer types and spot details that may escape to the human eye. AI software provides precise diagnoses, predicts the most effective drug combinations, and reduces the need for biopsies.
Robots
Beyond scanning patient health records, AI also helps healthcare professionals perform more complicated tasks. For example, many hospitals use robots. Their roles range from simple laboratory operations to highly complex surgeries. They also play a vital role in the process of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and supporting patients with chronic conditions.
- Wearable Technologies
From smartwatches to tablets, the number of wearable technologies has grown over the past few years. Research studies predict that the wearable medical device market will reach $27 million by 2023.
Some of these technologies include heart rate sensors, sweat meters, exercise trackers, and oximeters. They provide consistent monitoring of high-risk patients and, therefore, identify life-threatening episodes at their more treatable stages.
Another obvious benefit of wearable technologies is the personalization of patient experiences. When using a smart heart rate sensor or an exercise tracker, patients have a sense of ownership. Doctors, on the other hand, can prescribe highly individualized therapies.
- Big Data
The significance of big data in all industries, including healthcare, is colossal. Its task is to aggregate information across different channels to help companies identify trends and patterns for future use.
Big data reduces medication errors. Artificial intelligence scans patient records fast and detects any inconsistencies between a patient’s condition and therapy. That way, health professionals know that there is a risk of medication error and fix it fast.
It also simplifies preventive care. For example, in emergency departments, recurring patients make up about 28% of all visits. That is where big data can help. The software can analyze their records and identify any patterns in their health condition. Based on them, it creates preventive plans for those patients.
- Training and Education
Modern technologies improve healthcare training and education. Today, training providers focus on delivering highly insightful and practical courses that bring value to trainees. According to one of the most prominent training centers offering ACLS certification Phoenix AZ, creating training programs that are in line with the most current American Heart Association guidelines is their top priority.
Virtual reality and augmented reality take healthcare training to a whole new level. Trainees can now use VR simulations that help them bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical experiences. With VR headsets, trainees can log in from anywhere, collaborate with multiple participants, and browse through a vast database of scenarios. That way, they can learn faster and gain practical knowledge and experiences.
The use of artificial intelligence is also crucial in education. Its machine learning and natural speech recognition technologies can provide quick responses to trainees’ questions and offer tips and recommendations. Above all, they memorize their decisions and answers and keep learning to meet student needs.
- Blockchain Technologies
With the rise of AI, big data, and cloud technologies, the number of cybersecurity risks in healthcare has grown exponentially. Statistics show that data breaches cost the health care industry $6.5 billion every year.
The answer to this problem lies in the blockchain, a digital ledger technology. Using decentralization and encryption, blockchain technologies ensure that any digital asset is unalterable and transparent. Above all, it keeps patient data safe. It helps them comply with the HIPAA regulations, prevent data breaches, and improve the accuracy of medical records.
Healthcare companies are already harnessing the power of the blockchain. Namely, blockchain in the healthcare market is expected to reach $890.5 million by 2023.
Over to You: What Are Your Thoughts on Healthcare Technology?
The digital revolution is expanding its reach across numerous industries, particularly healthcare. With the technologies mentioned above, healthcare organizations can provide a better quality of care, protect patient data, automate repetitive tasks, and improve training programs.
Any thoughts on the digital transformation trends in healthcare? We are listening!
