In a few short years, the technology industry has brought us a long way from just sending emails and making phone calls. Today, AI, automation, and mobile applications have changed the way we live and work – and not in a negative way, as many people think. Thanks to these technologies, how we engage with each other and perform our daily tasks have shifted towards being more efficient and productive. Now, as the world becomes more digitally connected, we’re also starting to see the benefits of this shift in other areas of life.
Technology is making a huge difference in healthcare, where lives are at risk and safety is a priority. AI plays a huge role in transforming how healthcare is provided, and mobile apps are changing how patients engage with healthcare providers and receive guidance on what treatments they need. Here are just a few examples of how technology is helping to solve healthcare challenges:
Increasing access to healthcare
The world of healthcare is still primarily delivered in person by a combination of healthcare professionals and advanced nursing practice. Thanks to medical technology, there’s now a cheaper and more accessible option for patients who need medical help – getting the healthcare they need, when and where they need it, without going through a physician or nurse.
Many different medical technologies allow for the delivery of healthcare services virtually, such as:
- DocuSign’s electronic signature solution
- HIPAA compliance and other electronic health records (EHR) solutions
- Mobile medical applications
- Robotic surgery
- Telemedicine
These technologies make it much easier for patients to access healthcare services and reduce the time spent in transit, waiting for appointments, or in bed, recovering from sickness or surgery. Mobile medical applications and telemedicine, in particular, have enabled a shift in how healthcare is provided. Today, doctors can guide a distance using advanced medical imaging tools and healthcare applications on mobile phones or tablets. Thanks to improvements in technology and widespread smartphone usage, many people now have access to advanced healthcare services wherever they are.
Faster diagnoses and more accurate treatments
The use of technology in healthcare has also led to more accurate and precise diagnoses and faster recovery times for patients. One of the earliest and most prominent examples is Computer Assisted Tomography, commonly known as CAT scanning.
Developed in the 1980s, this technology enabled doctors to take a 3D image of a patient’s body, allowing them to see their internal organs and make more accurate diagnoses. Thanks to robotics, AI, and molecular diagnostics advances, doctors can now perform procedures more quickly and precisely. Consequently, this can result in higher rates of illness and death. Mobile robotics, AI, and molecular diagnostics are just a few examples of the areas where technology is helping to make healthcare more efficient and precise.
Reducing healthcare disparities
How we provide healthcare varies widely worldwide, but one major issue in developed countries is healthcare disparities. Inequality in healthcare is arguably one of the most pressing issues today. Specific demographics, such as women and people of color, are more likely to suffer from a lack of access to healthcare services. As a result, this can result in higher rates of illness and death. Thanks to technology, we can now see healthcare disparities reduced as specific demographics and groups of people gain access to healthcare services that they otherwise would not have been able to afford.
One of the earliest and most prominent examples of healthcare disparity reduction is the Single-Payer Medicare program in the United States. Launched in 1965, Medicare is a national health insurance program that covers the cost of healthcare for Americans aged 65 and over.
Before Medicare became available, people aged 65 and over had to pay for most healthcare costs out of their own pockets. Thanks to the implementation of Medicare, there has been a substantial decline in healthcare disparities within the United States. In 2014, only 3% of Medicare beneficiaries reported using part of their coverage to see a specialist, whereas 22% used all or amount of their range to see a general practitioner. With more people opting to use their healthcare coverage, healthcare disparities are no longer a significant issue in the United States.
A Better Experience for Patients
Thanks to technology, we’re also seeing a shift in how healthcare is delivered. Mobile apps and websites increasingly play a role in how patients find information, connect with healthcare providers, and keep track of their medical appointments and medications. Additionally, AI is helping to transform how healthcare providers interact with patients. For example, electronic medical records (EMR) and health information exchange (HIE) platforms allow healthcare providers to access patient information when they need it, wherever they are – and wherever they are, they’ll be able to access the information they need, to provide the best possible care.
Overall, how technology is helping to solve healthcare challenges is enabling a transformation in how we provide healthcare and engage with patients. Thanks to these transformative technologies, lives are now at risk, and safety is no longer a concern – it’s now about improving the experience for patients and providing the best care possible.
Conclusion
The advancements in technology have led to the development of Pharmacy Apps that are transforming the healthcare industry. These apps are providing patients with easy access to medication and enable them to manage their prescriptions and health records from the comfort of their homes. The use of Pharmacy App Development is helping to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need. With the continued innovation in this field, we can expect to see even more benefits from Pharmacy App Development in the future, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone.