While technology advancements are changing every industry, the field of healthcare is experiencing rapid developments. The good news is that technological growth offers excellent benefits to patients, increases efficiency and helps health care professionals with their difficult jobs. Here are three technological changes that are revolutionizing the health care system.
Cloud EHRs
Cloud-based services use the Internet to store and access information. This eliminates the need for local storage, such as a server or traditional desktop computer. Instead, employees can conveniently access all data and software packages through thin or zero clients, which are small desktop computers. Cloud-based Electronic Health Records (EHR) offer a simplified, centralized system that is easy to implement and even easier to use. EHR systems allow health care IT departments to drastically cut costs through limited maintenance fees and zero licensing and update costs. Additionally, cloud-based EHR systems reduce the size of the IT staff and budget. This is because cloud-based systems do not require constant software and hardware installations, repairs or updates. Finally, cloud-based services offer the ability to easily expand and add new users. Patients are also able to access and manage their own health care information through their insurance or health care organization's cloud-based system.
EHR Data Analytics
Electronic Health Record software programs offer a centralized source of detailed data and unique functionality. For example, EHR programs allow health care administrators to continually mine the data for information in order to improve efficiency and patient care. Data analytics use powerful algorithms and deep search functions to benchmark current processes and provide critical insight into the quality of patient care. As a result, health care administrators are able to streamline workflows, increase patient satisfaction and reduce costs and wait times. Data analytics is one of the most important tools for transitioning the health care system from profit-based care to value-based care. Keep in mind that the only way to truly gauge the quality of the health care organization is through an EHR data warehouse that offers clinical, operational, financial and administrative insight.
Mobile Medical Devices
Patient-centric biomedical devices are wearable gadgets with unlimited health care applications. For example, diabetics can use them to monitor their blood glucose levels. This technology will soon be able to automatically self-administer insulin as needed. Even the Apple Watch is a biomedical device that helps users monitor and measure diet, fitness and sleep data. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the health care industry is currently experiencing difficulties with managing patient care and information. This is because the current systems are too complex and health care employees are over worked and understaffed. As a result, there are continual mistakes and miscommunication. However, mobile medical devices act as the central go-between for patients, health care providers and health care equipment. Research by the NIH shows that patient-centric biomedical devices increase patient safety while providing enhanced care.
To sum up, technological trends in the field of health care include cloud-based EHRs systems that are a cost-effective solution that provide consolidated functionality. As part of this, EHR based data analytics will allow health care facilities to drastically improve the quality and timeliness of patient care. Mobile biomedical devices assist health care workers and help patients manage their health and wellness. In the end, changes to healthcare technology offer benefits to both patients and health care professionals.