Technological advancements are the driving force behind healthcare improvements. People are using the latest technologies to manage their ailments and lead better lives. Telemedicine has also increased accessibility to medical services for people in remote areas. Nowadays, medical procedures can be done remotely, and patients can manage their health from the comfort of their living room. Here are several new healthcare trends that people will soon rely on to maintain their health remotely:
Remote Healthcare monitoring tools
Patients with terminal illnesses have a hard time getting to a doctors’ appointment for regular checkups. Usually, they have to call an ambulance, which can put a strain on their finances and the health services. The invention of remote monitoring tools will improve the lives of patients with chronic diseases. The devices can monitor their health and send the data to remote health facilities. People can now use wearable technology, which comes in the form of watches and wristbands to record their vital signs and alert them of a severe issue. The remote monitoring tools allow patients to play an active role in their health.
Digitisation of health records
In the past, medical information recorded by a medical specialist was stored in different locations. Therefore, to understand your medical history, you had to collect the records from the doctors and spend hours deciphering your physician’s unreadable handwriting. However, with electronic health records, all your medical history, including diagnosis and test results, are stored in a central location. You can then access this information with a click of a button from anywhere. Although there are concerns about health record digitization, central storage of data allows patients to access personalised care, and remote doctors can see their health trends without doing any tests and provide better treatment. Health care providers can also spot mistakes early and take corrective measures.
Telehealth
Telehealth utilises communication technologies to allow patients to manage their health care online. Using telemedicine increases the accessibility of health services for people who live in remote areas. It also provides access to medical specialists who would otherwise be impossible to access. In telehealth, a patient can find medical information in patient portals. They can even speak to a doctor, review test results, schedule appointments, and request new prescriptions. Such services allow people with limited mobility to manage their health. Some medical facilities provide virtual meetings through video conferencing to enable patients to receive the necessary care when visits are impossible. Telehealth brings health services close to home and improves efficiency in personal care.
Mobile Apps
With people’s attachment to their mobile phones, it is not unusual to rely on a smartphone for healthcare management. Mobile software applications play a crucial role in improving the accessibility of medical services and the supervision of a person’s well-being. Numerous online healthcare facilities have mobile apps that assist patients in monitoring their health. People can find general health information on the apps, book medical appointments, and get prescription refills securely online. Patients can also find apps for managing specific conditions. For instance, if you have diabetes, you can use a mobile app to monitor your diet, blood sugar levels, and medications. The apps can also notify you of preventive care like reminders of when you need a flu shot or foot exam. Having all the information at your fingertips will improve the quality of your life irrespective of your illness.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
The use of chatbots is becoming increasingly common in health facilities. They help patients manage their healthcare by automating processes. Chatbots improve self-management by assisting patients with simple tasks like booking appointments. They can also set reminders for taking medication and refilling prescriptions. Some chatbots can also help patients in finding medical facilities within their area and reminding them of the possible side effects of taking a particular drug.
The future holds countless opportunities for online healthcare with the advancement in medical technology. We can expect continuous improvement in artificial intelligence and telemedicine. The use of big data is also opening doors for effective implementation of technological advancement and improvement of patients’ well-being.
Image by Darko Stojanovic from Pixabay
