Over the past couple of years, hospital management teams have struggled to get by due to an increase in patients and a lack of healthcare workers. When the pandemic hit, the healthcare industry as a whole realized that the systems in place were not sufficient enough to handle all of the issues that modern healthcare is facing.
As a result, hospital management teams have turned towards advanced tech as a solution to support healthcare staff and provide better care for patients. Though advancements in medical tech have been underway for years, recent demands have resulted in this tech and the digital transformation of healthcare systems coming along much quicker than anticipated.
Now, numerous technologies are hitting the market, enabling hospitals and other healthcare facilities to get back on track and advance their capabilities.
1. The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a fancy way of talking about devices that are embedded with sensors and processors and are able to connect with other devices and systems to exchange data. In the medical field, IoT wearable devices are being used to help healthcare workers better manage their patients. This IoT tech enables healthcare staff to remotely monitor patients, giving them details on their vitals without them needing to be physically present, which frees up time for other tasks. This allows patients to get the care they need from the comfort of their homes.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Another major healthcare trend in tech is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Artificially intelligent systems are being used in numerous ways to improve healthcare systems. During the pandemic, AI-powered systems used machine learning to identify protein fragments to help with the vaccines. AI is also helping to improve the efficacy of information processing, which is being used to recognize patterns for disease diagnosis.
3. Telemedicine
The advancement and universal adoption of telemedicine have been highly beneficial in helping hospitals better manage patient care. Telemedicine makes healthcare more accessible for those who might otherwise have a hard time getting the care they need, such as the elderly, high-risk individuals, and those with limited access to health insurance and healthcare facilities. However, this technology has also made a significant impact on employee healthcare. Now, with digital employee health software, hospital staff can more easily access the help they need when they are struggling with their own health.
4. Blockchain Technology
Keeping patient and employee data secure has been a major concern over the past several years, and more information is being stored and shared on the internet now than ever before. However, with recent advances in cybersecurity, solutions like blockchain tech allow medical records to be stored and transferred more securely, preventing data breaches.
5. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is nothing new, but the use of this technology in medicine is. Surgeons can now use mixed reality headsets, which allows them to get useful information without them having to look away or remove their hands from the patient they are performing surgery on. AR headsets can also be used for training purposes or to help nurses identify veins when drawing blood.
6. 3D Printing and Bioprinting
3D printing has been around for a while, but as it advances, it enables professionals to design more customized and advanced prosthetics and medical devices for patients. Bioprinting is even being used to create artificial organs such as bones, skin, ears, and corneas. This stage of 3D printing is still being clinically tested, but it is not far off from being available.
7. Big Data
Big data is another area of tech that is having a significant impact on healthcare management. Healthcare professionals can now use big data to help them better collect and analyze medical information to provide personalized health product recommendations. Analyzing data on patient care, medical records, health outcomes, and more can help medical professionals assess what is working and what isn’t so they can make improvements where necessary.
8. Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine uses microscopic materials and objects such as biocompatible nanoparticles and nanoelectronic devices to help treat living organisms and help with the diagnoses of conditions and illnesses. For example, nanotech can be used to help identify or hunt down cancer cells. This technology can also help fight genetic disorders and other diseases at a cellular level.
9. Neural Implants
Though brain implants haven’t hit the market yet, this trend in medical tech is expected to become available within the next couple of years. Neural implants can help with various medical issues, but some of the current ones in development are focusing on helping restore functions to patients that have suffered from paralysis or blindness.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many medical technologies that are expected to revolutionize healthcare. Already we are seeing a positive impact both on employee and patient care. And it is likely that in the next few years, as more tech becomes readily available, healthcare will be entirely changed, making hospital management even more advanced and efficient.
By Indiana Lee, BOSS contributor
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