As technology has advanced, so has the healthcare system. Did you know that smart technology is having a significant impact on modern healthcare all over the world? As technology becomes a naturally incorporated aspect of the medical industry, changes within the sector have meant that medicine is becoming smarter and, as a result, far more accessible. With each advancement made within the smart technology sector, medicine and healthcare advance alongside it.
Are you keen to learn more about how smart tech – the same technology that is behind smartphones and tablets – is transforming the health and wellbeing sectors? If so, have a read of our handy guide below!
A decrease in waiting times
Long waiting times at healthcare facilities are well-known around the globe as being an issue within the medical industry. However, the use of smart technology has meant that the management of patient flow is now easier for healthcare professionals to manage, which can help to reduce waiting times.
There’s also the fact that many hospitals now offer apps for monitoring emergency room waiting times in various departments and hospitals. This means that before heading to the emergency room after an accident or injury, there is the option to determine which hospital in the local area has the shortest waiting time.
Health monitoring remotely
One of the most beneficial aspects of smart technology being utilized in the healthcare industry is for the purpose of remote health monitoring, which is also known as telehealth. Many health insurance providers, such as AHiX Marketplace, offer their customers incentives. One of these incentives could include the option of digital health monitoring included in the insurance rate provided by companies like AHiX.
For example, innovative virtual wellness companies such as Fruit Street, Solera, and Virta use digital health monitoring to prevent diabetes and engage patients in a personal yet scalable way. Participants in the Fruit Street diabetes prevention and weight loss program receives a free FitBit activity tracker and digital scale which can be automatically synced to the patient’s health portal. The health portal data is also regularly reviewed by a remote dietitian who securely communicates with the patient to improve eating habits.
Other companies have developed advanced health sensor technology that makes remote health monitoring even more effortless. Hexoskin has developed a smart shirt that conveniently collects ambulatory vital signs without the patient having to input anything: blood pressure, pulse oximetry, 3-lead ECG, respiration, skin temperature, and activity. This makes it possible to do things like sleep monitoring and telerehabilitation right from the home. Olea Sensor Networks develops smart sensors and sensor analytic software. Its smart sensor for remote health monitoring is the size of a business card and self-optimizes performance to collect vital signs of humans without any contact to the body.
Seeing doctors for virtual visits from home
An increasing number of providers now have virtual clinics and the ability to book a virtual appointment online. These video appointments are a fantastic resource as they reduce waiting times, cut costs, and are far more convenient. Of course, they are not able to diagnose every health condition, but these virtual visits are proving to be invaluable to the medical community, along with offering a fantastic service for patients.
Prescription management is easier
Smart technology has changed the way that prescriptions are managed, received, and processed. Prescriptions can now be scanned digitally, which has meant that for patients and medical staff that handle prescriptions, it has become easier. Patients even have the ability to order their prescriptions online through a variety of apps on smartphones and tablets. Some healthcare services also have their own apps that have been designed specially to offer their patients a wide range of specialist services designed to enhance user experience.
There’s no doubt about it – smart technology has significantly changed the healthcare industry, enhancing the range of services on offer, and improving user experience. Smart technology is a crucial tool for those that practice in the medical industry. It has changed a range of approaches used in medicine and has helped to streamline many services offered, reducing patient waiting times and cutting down the time that consultations take.
