Thanks to technological developments, what was once inconceivable and only a cinematic fantasy has now become a reality. The influence of technology is amazing, whether it is in the corporate world, the educational sector, our household, the medical area, or any other facet of our life. This article will look at how technological advancements have impacted the healthcare industry in particular.
What is health information technology?
The design, development, implementation, usage, and maintenance of information systems in the IT services for the healthcare industry is known as health IT (health information technology). Healthcare information systems that are advanced and adaptable will keep improving the medical quality of healthcare while also lowering costs, increasing efficiency, reducing errors, improving patient satisfaction, and improving reimbursement for outpatient treatment and inpatient health professionals.
The primary components of health information technology are the following:
- Electronic health records (EHRs)
- Personal health records (PHRs)
- Electronic prescribing (E-prescribing)
- Privacy and security
Various types of health information technology
The EHR is at the heart of the health IT system. An EHR, often known as an electronic medical record (EMR), is a patient’s official digital health record shared among different healthcare providers and institutions.
The personal health record (PHR), which is a patient’s self-maintained health record, and the health information exchange (HIE), which is a healthcare data central hub or a collective of medical institutions that enter into a data exchange pact and agree to share data among their various health IT systems, are also important components of the health IT infrastructure.
It’s evident that PHPs will be more common in the coming years as people get more familiar with their digital health information, thanks to the rise and comfortability of smartphones and mobile devices. As a result, PHPs will need to interface with EHP technology even more.
Health information technology’s advantages
The majority of gynaecologists now use electronic health records. Due to the obvious acknowledgement of their potential advantages and government programs to encourage their usage, they have quickly gained traction. Custom healthcare software development can enable all the stakeholders in healthcare delivery to streamline information and provide better patient satisfaction with the help of technology.
The capacity to retain and retrieve data, as well as the opportunity to rapidly interact with patient information in a justification, enhanced patient safety through elevated legibility, which may reduce the risk of medication errors, and the ease with which patient data information can be retrieved, are all advantages of health information technology (IT).
Medical notifications, diagnostic flags and alerts, better recording and documentation of appointments and diagnostic tests, clinical decision making, and the accessibility of complete patient data all can potentially enhance patient safety.
Data acquired thanks to health information technology has been proved to enhance medical practice drastically and can also be used to measure the success of therapeutic treatments.
1. Improved communication channels
Not too long ago, there was a time when health providers communicated via a beeper. Digital technology, on the other hand, has enabled communication between patients and health care professionals much easier. Patients are no longer required to receive letters informing them of their consultations and testing.
Thanks to technological advancements, all of the above-mentioned have become considerably easier and more cost-effective. Medical practitioners can also create their own webinars and videos, as well as engage with other experts using online platforms and social media. Videoconferencing has made it simple to converse across national boundaries.
2. Improved patient care
Thanks to technological advancements, taking care of patients has gotten substantially easier. Pacemakers, health monitors, and other gadgets make it simple for individuals to keep track of their own health.
In case of possible issues, the collected data by these devices may be easier forwarded to doctors who can identify what is wrong with a patient even when they are not present.
Massive surgeries that were seemingly unimaginable to do the way we do them now are already available because of technologies like Capsule Endoscopy cameras, which are small enough for a patient to swallow. Doctors can then monitor the camera to see if there are any problems inside the body.
3. Better accessibility of information
One of the most significant advantages of technology in the healthcare business is that it allows for better and more convenient access to information for both healthcare practitioners and patients. All of the data can be saved digitally, sparing hospitals a lot of money and space. While physical storage is still required, much of it has been digitized, making it much easier for clinicians to obtain data.
4. Telehealth and telemedicine
In the field of healthcare, telehealth and telemedicine app development are the next steps forward. Patients can now effortlessly communicate with their doctors from anywhere across the globe. They can also obtain the assistance they need from the professional at the correct time from the comfort of home, thanks to a number of excellent telehealth platforms.
Patients can use these platforms to monitor for symptoms, manage their medications, communicate with specialised experts, and much more. They can also test to see if they require a specific medication and order it right away, having it delivered to their door.
5. Availability of online education
Another significant advantage of digital technology is the accessibility of online education, particularly for healthcare-related degreed. Students wanting to pursue a profession in healthcare can now complete their education entirely online.
This gives people the freedom to study whenever and wherever they prefer, from any institution they want. Healthcare practitioners no longer need to travel large distances or take time off work because online education is now more available to them.
6. Health applications
Hundreds of health apps have been developed as a result of the tech transformation. These apps mainly allow patients to track their health and diseases, receive medical information, view test results, and be reminded when it’s time for their check-ups. Additionally, healthcare applications enable healthcare workers to double-check test findings, medication dosage suggestions, and other key data.
Concluding thoughts
In general, digital technology has changed the face of healthcare. And this change is projected to continue in the coming years. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, mobile healthcare apps, smartwatches, and a slew of other technological breakthroughs will all have an impact on the future of healthcare. There is no limit to how far digital technology can take healthcare if healthcare organisations and experts keep their eyes open and build the necessary infrastructure and processes.
