It is amazing to look backwards and realize that how technology and inventions have made our lives simpler. If someone from 100 years ago visits the present world, they would think that this is a mere dream or a whole another dimension. Same could be said for the advancements in the healthcare sector.
Areas like biotechnology, information technology, pharmaceuticals and development of medical devices have made significant contributions improve the health of people all around the world. In this article, we have discussed how technology is shaping the present health industry –
Enhanced Research
Understanding a disease or its root cause has been made easier with the improved techniques and technologies. Fields like data science allow researchers to utilize data to derive useful insights pertaining to health and diseases.
For instance, the data from cancer patients may be used to predict the medicine which proves to be most effective in reducing symptoms of the disease. Technology has now made it possible for scientists to view and design the simulated models of structures as small as a cell.
Also, developing medicines and understanding their impact on the human body has been made easier with various drug discovery tools and databases. All these advancements make it easier to understand the complex biological processes and find the best-suited cure for various diseases.
Improved Communication
Technological innovations in healthcare have made it possible for health care organizations and patients to communicate with each other. It is now much easier for doctors and scientists to educate people about various diseases or scientific advancements.
Social media posts and YouTube videos are two of the most common methods which allow the direct communication of doctors with patients. Patients may participate in various forums and discussions to gain more knowledge or even inquire about their medical conditions.
Electronic Medical Records
Maintaining medical records was never this easy. Now there is no need to keep a large number of files and reports in the record room. The internet and cloud services have made it possible to store a large amount of data into the online repositories. This allows the patients to have access to their medical records on their phones, tablets and PCs. Now the patients can keep all their records at one place and share their complete medical history with the ease of a click.
It’s easy to reach out
Ever wondered, how people had to stand in long queues to get an appointment with the doctor. But now there is no need to wait, patients can easily visit websites and book an online doctor appointment. Also, the patients can get an online consultation from the most experienced doctors.
Remote Monitoring Systems
People across the globe are using home monitoring systems. These instruments allow the patients to keep a track of their health condition and avoid a frequent visit to the doctors. For instance, glucose meter allows the patients suffering from diabetes to monitor their blood sugar level at the comfort of their home and take the right diet accordingly.
Genome Sequencing
There was a time when it was impossible to understand genetic disorders. Now with the advancement in technology, it is possible to sequence the complete genome of a person within a fraction of seconds.
Genome sequencing allows the doctors to comprehend the mutations that may be leading to the onset of a certain disease. Genome sequencing also allows prediction of a medical condition that may occur in the near future. This makes it easier for a person to take precautions even before the symptoms appear.
Easy availability of medical information
The Internet has united the entire world. Scientists and researchers across the globe can now connect with each other and share their knowledge.
Also, all type of scientific and non-scientific literature is available on the online repositories. Organizations such as the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) provide various types of literature and genomic data of several organisms for research.
Researches make full use of this data to discover drug targets or to analyze the genome of a disease-causing organism.
Improved Patient Care
Monitoring the health of the patients and ensuring their wellness is now easier than before. There are instruments and tools used to carry out a hassle-free surgery and machines which aid in the complete diagnosis of a disease. Non-invasive imaging techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scans), CT Scans, X-rays, Ultrasounds make it possible for doctors to have a clear view of the underlying cause and condition.
Final thoughts
Technological innovations in the healthcare industry provide new ways to improve the quality of healthcare. These innovations have made it easier for people to reach out for medical help. Facilities like booking an online doctor appointment and online medical consultation have helped the patients to get all the medical assistance as per their schedule.
