- The availability of telemedicine has enabled practitioners to provide healthcare services remotely and safely.
- Diagnostics tools such as X-rays and MRI machines have made diagnosing illnesses easier and more accurate.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping medical professionals detect potential issues more quickly.
- Technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery, 3D printing, and virtual reality allow medical professionals to practice precise operations.
The healthcare industry has seen significant technological advances over the past few decades. This influx of new and improved tools has allowed health systems to offer exceptional care to patients while increasing access to practitioners worldwide. From digital solutions to artificial intelligence, technology is pushing boundaries and revolutionizing the healthcare industry as everyone knows it.
Accessibility
One of the most impactful contributions of technology to healthcare is through an increased level of accessibility. Through digital tools, practitioners can connect with patients regardless of location and quickly diagnose conditions accurately. Some of the most exciting technologies to improve accessibility include the following:
Telemedicine
This term describes the remote delivery of healthcare services via telecommunications technology. Whether it’s an online video call between a doctor and patient or consulting emails exchanged between physicians, telemedicine has become an essential part of care delivery in recent years.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has provided a safe and convenient way to connect with patients. The use of this technology is expected to continue expanding as more health systems adopt it.
Remote Health Tracker
Thanks to modern technologies like smartphone apps that can monitor patient vitals in real-time, medical professionals are given more data than ever before when diagnosing and treating illnesses from afar. These allow patients to keep an eye on their health without needing a physical visit and help doctors track any changes in the patient’s condition. Thus, healthcare is more efficient and can be offered to more individuals.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing illnesses relies heavily on technology. From digital X-rays to CT scans, MRI machines, and more, technology has made it easier to diagnose conditions accurately and quickly. With the help of advanced technology, practitioners can discover illnesses at an earlier stage and pursue treatments that may help save lives.
Artificial Intelligence
AI chatbots and virtual assistants have made providing faster and smarter healthcare easier. AI-powered systems can detect potential issues, assist with diagnosis and treatment decisions, and manage health records.
The future potential of AI applications looks even brighter as scientists develop machines capable of learning on their own over time through incremental improvements, a concept known as machine learning. Already used mainly within larger hospitals at the present day, these autonomous robots will likely become much more accessible as the technology develops further down the line.
C-Arm Machines
Another example of how technological advancements have aided medical imaging is with a C-arm machine. This is a type of medical device that produces X-ray images and is used by surgeons in the operating room. It helps practitioners assess the progress of surgery and can even detect and track radiation during radiation therapies.
Investing in this machine has many advantages, including faster and more accurate imaging, which can help surgeons reach the proper diagnosis more quickly.
Surgery
Invasive surgery has also seen improvements with the help of technology. With these new tools, medical professionals can conduct operations with greater precision. Examples of new technology that increase surgical accuracy are the following:
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (MIS)
This is a procedure in which a robot performs complex surgeries. This technology has made operations more accurate and less time-consuming than ever before. Because a surgeon guides the robot, it can provide precise movements that would otherwise be difficult for human hands. This way, doctors can accurately conduct even the most intricate of surgeries.
3D Printing
This technology has allowed surgeons to create 3D models of organs, tumors, and other body parts. This helps with pre-surgery planning and can be used to create prosthetics and medical devices. This technology has also been used to develop tissue models for testing in place of animals.
Virtual Reality
Another form of technology that has been extremely useful in healthcare is virtual reality (VR). This provides medical professionals with a safe and accurate way to practice surgery. Surgeons can use VR to simulate operations and better understand patients’ anatomy before performing real-life surgeries.
Overall, technology has tremendously impacted how the healthcare industry functions. From remote health trackers to 3D printing and robotic-assisted surgery, technology has allowed practitioners to provide more efficient and accurate care. With these advancements in place, it’s now possible to offer a higher level of care.
