th<\/sup> century. It was used to advise clinics on ships, and in far-away locations, medics consulted doctors through radio to deliver treatment to people in remote villages. Today\u2019s telehealth is very different. Patients from anywhere in the world \u2013 if they have an internet connection or a telephone \u2013 can consult doctors and nurses.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNot only has technology proved critical in saving lives, but it has also lowered the cost of healthcare delivery for both the institution and the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in propelling telemedicine to the forefront of healthcare. Because of the restrictions that were placed on people\u2019s movement all around the world, the only way that many of us could access medical care was by video calling our healthcare providers. In no time at all, we saw the development of apps, phonelines and various other methods that made communication easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, this technology is becoming part of mainstream medicine and has been adopted across America. In rural areas, it is especially useful, allowing for easier access to medical care. Where patients had to travel many miles to see a doctor or a nurse, they now only need to log into a video chat, describe their symptoms, and get a diagnosis and a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medics can use it to transmit imaging results, test results and other critical medical information to their patients. It is also a useful tool for consultation, and patients don\u2019t have to wait for hours to get answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wearable devices<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis technology is also used to monitor patients, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses. As long as the patient has the right hardware (mobile phone or computer, medical alert bracelet or watch) and the right software, they can monitor vital signals, which are also transmitted in real time to the healthcare provider. If there are anomalies, then the provider can take immediate steps to help the patient, either by organizing for them to come into the hospital or advising them on what to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic health records<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nImagine trying to retrieve medical information in the 1970s or 1980s. It required looking through thousands of paper files for information, and the older the information was, the more files had to be looked through. Electronic health records have changed all this, and whether you\u2019re looking for information that is a few months or years old, all it takes is a patient\u2019s name or unique number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electronic health records have allowed for faster access to information, which means that patients don\u2019t have to be kept waiting and treatments can be delivered much faster. In many states, hospitals have connected networks, so it doesn\u2019t matter where the patient receives treatment \u2013 their medical files can be easily accessed within moments, wherever they are located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This form of recordkeeping has reduced patient care errors because healthcare providers can see the full medical history of any patient they are treating. In the rare event that errors occur, it is easier to trace their source because all the information is searchable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simulation training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is a process that allows healthcare professionals to have an artificial representation of real-world processes. One of the earliest examples of simulation training is CPR, where students are required to practice life-saving procedures on dummies until they perfect their skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, simulation training has come a long way from practicing CPR on dummies. The use of virtual reality (VR) allows medics to do so much more than they could in the past. They can immerse themselves in real-life situations to deliver life-saving care, exploring all the different possibilities for delivering timely and effective treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good example of this is when nurses must practice how to intubate a patient. In the past, they learned from watching older, more experienced nurses carry out the procedure. Today, with a VR program, they can practice intubation on a virtual patient and perfect their skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simulation training allows doctors and nurses to immerse themselves in difficult conditions and assess their readiness. A surgeon who is facing a complicated surgery, for example, can use a VR training module to conduct a similar virtual surgery before they operate on the real patient. Not only will they see exactly what the procedure entails, but they will also learn what challenges they can expect during the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMobile health is making a significant difference in rural America and in communities that cannot afford conventional healthcare. With this technology, rather than patients going to see doctors and nurses in hospitals, the medics come to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have vehicles that are fully equipped to deliver basic healthcare and can move from one location to another to attend to patients, all while uploading patient information to a central database back at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It makes for healthier communities, and many people who have little or no access to healthcare \u2013 particularly those in rural locations \u2013 can now rely on their mobile healthcare provider to do the necessary tests and diagnosis and provide treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This type of healthcare delivery is making a huge difference for the elderly of America, many of whom have difficulty getting to healthcare facilities. The mobile doctor and nurse visits their neighborhoods and all they must do is keep track of the days when the medics are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big data<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBig data is large amounts of information that would be difficult to process without automation. Technological advances have made big data easy to manipulate, and it can be used to draw conclusions that save millions of lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, we saw maps of how the virus was spreading across the world. Researchers and medics were able to use big data to bring us information that would have been impossible to deliver so promptly in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big data is not only useful for tracing the spread of pandemics, but is also used to map out chronic illnesses<\/a> and their causes \u2013 and it also provides insights into what can be done to improve community health.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPatient-centered care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPatient-centered care has been adopted in healthcare facilities across America. This means that rather than the doctor and nurse making decisions on behalf of the patient, they include them throughout the process and listen to their wishes when it comes to how they would like to be treated and cared for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is especially important for those suffering from chronic illnesses because they receive long-term treatment. It is also useful for those who have come to the end of their lives. They can tell the healthcare team about how they would like to be cared for in their last days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patient-centered care also requires involving the family in medical decisions about their loved ones. They can tell the doctors and nurses how they would like their relative or friend to be cared for, and their opinions are considered when a treatment plan is created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health apps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHealth apps have become commonplace. Many people can now track their vital health using health apps, set up goals they wish to achieve, and monitor how their body changes over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a simple digital watch and a phone app, anyone can monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heartbeat and even oxygen levels in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health apps allow for early intervention in the event of problems. If someone notices a consistently high blood pressure reading, for example, they can go into the hospital for further tests, and early treatment will help them avoid complications in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some apps are free, and some are paid for, but users should check what features are available before they choose an application to monitor their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking to the future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTechnology is moving at an unprecedented rate, and it is expected to continue to improve healthcare delivery. Those who enter the profession now can expect to have many tools and devices that make it easier to treat and care for patients.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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