Modern health technology is revolutionizing how healthcare services are provided, from virtual check-ups conducted remotely to augmented reality headsets used by surgeons.
New medical technology has empowered patients to be more proactive about managing their health, with portal technology providing 24/7 access to test results via secure online portals.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine refers to the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and communication technologies, including long-distance patient and clinician interactions, care advice reminders monitoring, education interventions or admissions remotely as well as (where learning is an explicit objective of consultations) telementoring services.
This technology relies on modern telecommunications technology and infrastructure for delivery, along with numerous health applications like remote patient monitoring for home health care patients, radiology examination, and public health warnings. Such technologies are generally superior alternatives to more traditional means of providing medical care in rural areas.
The use of telemedicine can offer patients numerous advantages, from convenience and cost savings to communication between providers and patients through video conferencing platforms that allow patients to discuss symptoms or concerns directly with healthcare practitioners.
Telemedicine is useful in numerous clinical settings; most telehealth initiatives focus on patients living in remote locales. Examples are mountain families, tribal members living on Indian reservations in the Southwest or Dakotas, service personnel stationed on Pacific islands, ranchers/farmers in America’s vast open spaces as well as those stationed overseas all will be served through this technology.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology can offer patients significant relief with their medical needs. Doctors can use VR to educate patients on complex procedures and treatments while aiding rehabilitation therapy, reduce hospital or clinic trips altogether and make patients more comfortable by distracting them and alleviating pain levels.
VR is used to provide education and training to healthcare professionals, but can also create empathy among medical staff by simulating the conditions of patients they treat. VR technology enhances patient outcome. Examples are in surgery simulation, brain imaging and virtual sensory tests. Also in teaching communication skills to people living with autism as well as providing greater range of movement for those recovering from trauma-induced brain injuries or stroke.
The Cleveland Clinic recently unveiled an innovative virtual reality (VR) solution to help neurosurgeons develop their surgical techniques more accurately. Patients will undergo MRI brain scans, with images being sent off to a company for conversion into 3D models for surgeons to practice on in the VR environment. This will reduce time required to perform complex surgeries while improving results – as well as providing opportunities to train laparoscopically, educate orthopedic residents and Gynecology students, suture, suturing and ultrasound training opportunities!
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become an indispensable element of healthcare. From a patient’s point of view, AI provides 24/7 access to medical information through an online portal that can answer queries and schedule appointments. This technology empowers patients to be proactive with their care by avoiding costly emergency visits. At the same time it makes it an increasing control over their health and well-being.
Healthcare professionals can use AI to better comprehend patient medical needs by providing more precise and detailed recommendations, while simultaneously recognizing patterns and relationships in health data to predict potential complications before they arise. AI also speeds up and enhances decision making effectiveness by automating manual tasks, which speeds up clinical decision making considerably.
One application of machine learning (ML) in healthcare is clinical documentation, which typically consumes 34% to 55% of physician time. With its ability to detect errors in medical records and provide more thorough patient care, machine learning (ML) provides essential assistance for improving clinical documentation practices and providing top-tier service delivery.
You can use AI for image analysis and scan interpretation, making it easier for doctors to prioritize cases quickly and ensure the appropriate person receives treatment quickly. Boston-based startup Freenome employs AI technology to detect cancer at its early stages before it becomes obvious to humans.
Genetics
The human genome has opened a new frontier of medicine by using genetic knowledge to tailor treatments directly for individuals. President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative has brought this trend into sharp focus. Also, patients increasingly bring direct-to-consumer genetic tests from companies like 23andME directly to their family physicians for review and care. Unfortunately, not all clinicians possess the training needed to provide this individualized care – therefore receiving proper training training will ensure optimum care delivery.
Nurses are vital members of healthcare, yet must know how to interpret and explain genetic concepts to patients. A basic knowledge of genetics will enable nurses to recognize red flags for inherited diseases as well as assess risk, while finding resources which provide additional insights for their patients.
As more patients access genetic information online, it’s critical that there are reliable resources that provide reliable education about this rapidly expanding field.
