Healthcare is one of the fasting growing and changing industries in the U.S. One of the reasons behind this is the integration of innovative technology solutions into healthcare procedures and services. Below introduces six technology trends that are changing the healthcare industry.
Telehealth
Telehealth allows healthcare professionals to exchange information, provide services and gather data from patients. For example, the days of a worried patient lying on a couch near a psychiatrist are being replaced with face-to-face interactions through video conferencing. However, there are many more applications, including education, teleconferencing and remote monitoring.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Electronic health records are revolutionizing how patients access their healthcare information. Most major insurance companies offer online platforms that allow patients to conveniently view and download their healthcare information, such as prescriptions, test results and past visit information.
Healthcare Analytics
These software programs have complex statistical analysis functions that are able to sift through enormous amounts of patient data and information to provide customized reports, identify trends and improve process efficiency. Even more important, these sophisticated programs allow healthcare management to analyze financial data in order to reduce patient costs.
ePrescribing
Most insurance companies offer healthcare patients the ability to request prescription refills through their secure website platforms. ePrescribing expedites and streamlines the process, which in turn reduces the wait time and the amount of errors. Learn more about the benefits from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, here: http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/HealthITAdoptiontoolbox/ElectronicPrescribing/benefitsepres.html.
Gaming
There are two main benefits of healthcare related games: education and data collection. Healthcare apps that entertain while educating are an excellent way to follow treatment plans, promote a healthy lifestyle and improve overall quality of life. For example, the Empower app helps patients with chronic disease record their behavior in order to improve their lifestyle choices. Healthcare technology is an excellent career choice and a good route to that would be a health information management program.
DIY Health
There is a variety of website based and mobile phone app based technologies that empower people to take control over their health and well-being. For example, there are many fitness apps that not only educate users, but allow them to improve their workout effectiveness. In addition to this, there are many healthcare related websites that allow users to research and access similar information that was once only know by their doctor.
Technology is changing the healthcare experience through a variety of platforms. Telehealth, EHRs, healthcare analytics, ePrescribing, gaming and DIY health technology are just a few of the many trends that are evolving the healthcare field. As more modern and new technology methods continue to develop, expect healthcare to adapt adequately as well.
