Healthcare has advanced significantly from the traditional medical practice. Telehealth, remote monitoring and healthcare analytics are just a few examples of technological advances in healthcare that have contributed to better patient care.
The new digital age of healthcare services offers better healthcare with shorter wait times, and often lower costs. This is possible thanks to technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.
Digitally empowered patients are the driving force behind today’s consumer-driven healthcare sector. Online searching for the best healthcare options, and comparing reviews across different sites, leads to a more competitive market for healthcare providers. Hospitals must be satisfied with their services to remain ahead of the rest.
To meet patients’ needs, organizations prioritize IT solutions in the healthcare industry.
This blog will examine how technology can be used to transform healthcare and patient interaction.
The Importance Of Telehealth In Digital Healthcare Services
Telehealth is on the rise. Telehealth is having a major impact on healthcare by replacing traditional visits with virtual ones. It protects patients’ privacy and dignity, makes it easier for them to access digital healthcare services, and saves them valuable time.
Telehealth research is in rapid development and appears very promising. Studies have shown that telehealth, which includes telephone support and telemonitoring vital signs for people suffering from heart failure, can reduce the likelihood of death or hospitalization and increase quality of life.
Telehealth’s main goals are:
- Make healthcare more accessible to rural and isolated communities
- Facilitate access to specialists
- Improve communication and coordination between care team members, patients and their caregivers
- Support self-management of health care.
These patient engagement solutions are just some of the many ways technology is revolutionizing healthcare patient experiences.
Online Patient Portals
Many private clinics offer an online portal for patients. These patient portals, which are similar to email portals, allow patients and doctors to easily communicate their healthcare information in one place. This prevents privacy breaches and overexposure.
Portals offer a safer online way to accomplish the following:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse
- Refill prescriptions
- Review the test results and summary of past visits
- Request reminders or schedule appointments
- The portal may also be useful if your doctor is part of a larger health care system.
Virtual Appointments
Virtual appointments are available at some clinics. These appointments are beneficial because they allow patients to continue receiving care from their regular doctor without the need for an in-person visit.
A nursing call center also has nurses that can help patients with illness or care for them. The nurses at the nursing call center don’t diagnose illness or prescribe medication. A nursing call center’s goal is to offer support and guidance to patients as they manage their illnesses.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote monitoring of patients’ health can be done by doctors and healthcare teams using a variety of IT solutions in the healthcare industry such as –
- Mobile apps or web-based apps that allow you to upload information such as blood glucose readings to your doctor.
- Wirelessly transmitting information wirelessly from devices that measure blood pressure, blood glucose and lung function.
- Wearable devices that record and transmit data, such as heart rate or blood glucose, gait, position control, tremors, sleep patterns, or physical activity, automatically.
- Monitoring devices that can be used to monitor the home for seniors or dementia patients. They detect any changes in normal activities, such as falls.
Personal Health Records and Healthcare Apps
A personal health record (or electronic personal health system) is a way to collect information about patients’ health and keep it under control. Access to a PHR app can be done from any web-enabled device such as a smartphone, computer, tablet, laptop or tablet. A personal health record can be used to quickly provide vital information such as current diagnoses and medication information.
To help patients organize their medical information, many apps have been developed. These digital tools could be of assistance to them.
- Keep your personal health information safe
- Keep track of vital signs
- Track and calculate your caloric intake
- Set reminders to remind you when it is time to take your medicine
- Keep track of their physical activity such as their daily steps.
Conclusion While patient satisfaction won’t disappear anytime soon, it will be more than a metric for many healthcare organizations. Hospitals will have more opportunities to use healthcare IT to better serve patients.
