Technology is transforming almost every sector of the economy, including healthcare. Different types of technologies are being introduced almost every day.
There’s no doubt that these technologies have helped improve the healthcare system in a big way. For example, telemedicine is one of the transformative technologies that has made it easy for doctors and patients to interact without physically meeting.
In other words, both patients and doctors are benefiting from different types of technologies that are being invented.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) has continued to gain popularity in the healthcare sector. It is the intelligence demonstrated or shown by machines such as the ability to make decisions and visual perception.
Some of the Artificial Intelligence currently being used in hospitals include voice-to-text transcriptions, virtual nursing assistants, and robot doctors or dentists.
Besides, AI is also used to detect different types of diseases as well as analyze a patient’s information through the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR).
On the other hand, Machine learning (ML) is an AI component that utilizes statistical methods and algorithms to allow computer systems to be able to learn and adjust with flowing data, detect patterns and make certain decisions with minimal human supervision.
- Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a system or infrastructure consisting of various connected medical devices, software applications, healthcare systems, and sensors that are designed for diagnostics, monitoring, and medical testing.
For example, IoT-enabled medical gadgets consist of sticking plasters that are able to monitor a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It also includes wearable devices such as smartphones and smartwatches with in-built healthcare apps.
The apps are able to track and determine if a person is sleeping well, taking their medication or having any health complications, and send alerts to a doctor, in case of any issues.
- Laser Micromachining
Laser micromachining is another emerging trend in medical technologies. The technology offers distinct processing abilities for the manufacture or creation of different products such as disposable medical gadgets.
Additionally, laser micromachining technology encourages the use of more cost-effective solutions when compared to other available options. In some situations, laser micro micromachining can only offer technical solutions to particular fabrication problems.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
When Virtual Reality is used together with Augmented Reality, healthcare applications can give maximum benefits both to patients and doctors.
The technology is able to allow people to use their smartphone camera to check various internal parts of their body such as the skeleton, digestive organs, respiratory systems among others.
Within the medical field, Augmented Reality can also be used to administer injections, help in major operations, and increase the level of safety. The technology can as well be used to perform certain tasks such as keeping the patient calm while being operated on.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Electronic Health Record (HER) gives both the doctor and patient an opportunity to have permanent access to the medical history of a patient. This patient’s health data makes the work of a doctor easier. It also helps him to conduct an accurate diagnosis of the patient.
Another advantage of the Electronic Health Record is that it reduces the amount of paperwork. Both patients and doctors won’t need to carry a lot of papers when meeting each other.
The good thing is that most healthcare facilities today are able to access medical information for various patients using a shared HER – supported by a mobile application.
- Telehealth
Gone are the days when patients had to physically visit a doctor in order to receive treatment. With telehealth, you can carry a doctor wherever you go. There are several applications where patients can search for doctors.
The applications have all the necessary information about the available doctors on the platform. This makes it easy for you to compare doctors in terms of qualifications, fees, and stats before choosing the best one.
