There’s no denying the rapid development and evolution of digital tools and modern technologies. They have significantly shaped different businesses and organizations across various industries.
What’s good about these tools and technologies is how they make processes more efficient and effective and products safer and more quality. They also make employees’ lives easier and more convenient, and consumers happier and more satisfied.
Digital transformation and technological innovation apply to the health industry as well. These technologies help treat patients, alleviate health conditions, and even save lives. Ultimately, they foster public health and overall well-being.
For instance, take the COVID-19 crisis. Health professionals and medical facilities have adopted digital tools and technologies amid the pandemic. Think of telehealth services such as virtual medical consultation and remote patient monitoring (RPM). Consider COVID-19 testing like RT-PCR and POC tests (NAAT, antigen, and antibody tests).
Let’s look at the top technological trends in the health sector. Keep on reading to see how they are transforming healthcare delivery.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI is the simulation of human intelligence into digital tools and personal devices. The goal is to make them think and act like human beings. Under AI is ML, where machines learn and adapt new data and information. Both technologies prove to be beneficial in the health industry. For instance, AI-powered Chatbots can assist patients with their simple medical inquiries. The same is true for ML algorithms that help health professionals and medical facilities with healthcare data analysis and forecasting.
2. Extended Realities (ER): Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Under the ER technology are VR, AR, and mixed reality (MR). While VR entails a virtual world, AR consists of real-world settings laid on digital platforms. MR is a combination of VR and AR. The ER technology can be beneficial in the health sector. In fact, it assists patients with health conditions such as stroke, mobility issues, and permanent physical disabilities. It also helps those suffering from mental health disorders like dementia, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Ultimately, medical schools can use this technology for medical training.
3. Robotics
Simply put, robotics entails the use of robots for work. These machines can somehow think and act like human beings designed to assist the workforce in accomplishing particular tasks. In recent years, people have seen the utilization of robotics in medical facilities. Think of surgical robots that can help doctors in their medical operations. Consider disinfectant robots that have become increasingly popular during this COVID-19 pandemic. These are just a few examples of how robotics can help the healthcare sector.
4. Drug Formulation and Development
The modern world depends on the pharmaceutical industry for medications and supplements. But a crucial part of the whole equation is drug formulation and development. Think about the COVID-19 crisis and how the health sector has utilized digital tools and technologies and mobilized its resources. The goal is to come up with accurate and efficient COVID-19 testing. Along with this is formulating drugs as a cure for the COVID-19 infection and producing and proliferating vaccines. Thanks to tools and technologies, they’ve made these plausible!
5. 3D Printing
3D printing has become such a game-changer in various industries. Also known as additive manufacturing, it endeavors to turn digital designs into physical objects. The process involves printing layers of materials and fusing these layers as a way to create the desired object. The 3D printing technology applies to the health industry as well. Think of orthotics and prosthetics used by patients with disabilities. Consider printed and produced bio-tissues, blood vessels, artificial limbs, and even pills utilized for medical training.
6. Healthcare Wearables and Smart Devices
Digital tools and technologies have become prevalent in modern society. The Internet of Things (IoT) has allowed the sharing of data and information in physical devices via the web. Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals have wearables for tracking and monitoring health. When it comes to vision care, patients with loss of central vision in both eyes now use Smartglasses. Even patients with underlying health conditions wear smart devices for remote patient monitoring.
No one can ignore the power of digital tools and modern technologies any longer. These apply to the health industry as well. Consider the technological trends recommended above, from AI and ML to drug formulation and development to healthcare wearables and smart devices. Whether you own a medical practice or run a medical facility, be sure to invest in these tools and technologies. By doing so, you’ll improve your medical processes and meet public healthcare needs. Ultimately, you’ll boost your business profit while serving the community.
