Bluebox Insights – May 2016

May 3, 2016

5 ways technology is transforming healthcare

Technology is continuing to change every aspect of our lives and to some degree, how we live it. Healthcare technology, in particular, is ever changing and continuously evolving. We’ve picked the top 5 ways we think technology is transforming healthcare – both for the industry and the way we live.

1. Mobile Technology
With so many patients requiring on demand care, storing details on a secure and confidential app allows doctors and physicians to access information regarding a patient’s condition and update details on-the-go. Some useful apps for this are EMH Records which allows doctors to manager patients’ files, dictate notes, write prescriptions – all completely free of handwriting legibility and Sherpaa which is a nationwide online physician practice for large employers powered by a full time group of physicians, care coordinators, and wellness experts.

2. Helping patients stay healthy
The need for instant news and up-to-date knowledge is at its prime at the moment so having a personal platform to store your personal health information is vital. Patients are becoming increasingly adamant to have control of their health. There is an increasing focus to live longer, but also tackle those diseases like type 2 diabetes which are brought on my preventable conditions such as obesity or high blood pressure. Having access to personal records allows patients to stay close to their health and knowing what they have/haven’t been doing. Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker is a great app that allows you to monitor your daily diet. With over 2,000,000 types of food logged in, you will never have to worry about counting the calories yourself! The app also scans, saves, tracks and calculates the nutritional content of food you have eaten giving you a substantial report to access on demand. If you are worried about your hearing, consider downloading uHear which is an initial hearing loss screening test to measure whether your hearing is of normal range. Another great yet undiscovered app is Mole Monitor that enables you to monitor changes in your skin. The app has been approved by the National Health Service, and therefore is a reputable app to use for this specific purpose.

3. Wearable technology
Wearable medical devices and sensors are simply another way to collect data, which Dr. Chopra says is one of the aims and purposes of healthcare. Devices and sensors can be used for a multitude of reasons beneficial to both patient and doctors/nurses some of which include instant notification when a patient falls down or a bandage that tests pH levels to test whether a cut is prone to become infected. This development has aided faster responses for treatment as the number of tests that need to be done in order to figure out the right diagnosis is cut down. Fitbit have a great range that allow you to track your heart beat, monitor your health levels or how many steps you walk a day. The sophisticated outlook of the products make them a treat for the eyes, too. Simply wear them like a watch or attach them to your clothes – it couldn’t be easier!

4. Self-service kiosks
Self-service kiosks was one of the most transformational inventions for receptionists and nurses alike. They allow patients to check in before an appointment without having the need to wait in line or speak to someone beforehand. This saw a dramatic change in the productivity levels of staffing and also helped with staffing savings. Research showed that patients felt more comfortable not having to disclose information out loud for the purpose of their visit upon arrival. An article on information week highlighted the importance of self-service kiosks supporting multiple languages which made for better doctor-patient relationships without communication barriers.

5. Medical Research
Medical researchers and physicians are constantly conducting new research and figuring out how best to serve patients with the highest possible treatment and technology. With new technology, software, devices and medical equipment, research has become more efficient and scientists have been able to examine diseases on a cellular level and produce antibodies against them. This fast-paced action allows thousands of lives to be saved a year and also allows extended time for deeper, more refined research.

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