Advanced tech solutions have improved almost all aspect of our lives. Healthcare is no exception. From AI to 3D printing, there are many ways we can use technology in healthcare. Its benefits are impressive. In this article, you will learn about a few technology trends that are transforming the healthcare industry.
1. Online Training and Education
Technology impacts healthcare education on multiple levels.
First, by enrolling in online courses, students are not limited to local medical colleges anymore. They can choose universities and training courses from all around the world. Apart from being highly accessible, online education is also more flexible. It adapts to healthcare professionals’ busy schedules, allowing them to learn anywhere and anytime.
Second, virtual reality plays a fundamental role in healthcare education. These advanced technologies bring exciting experiences to life for healthcare students. They can transform an empty room into an operating theater. That way, students can practice more effectively and prepare for real-life jobs one day.
2. Wearable Technologies
From smartphones to fitness bands, mobile devices are growing at an astonishing rate. Apart from simplifying our lives, wearables also play a fundamental role in the healthcare industry.
Technologies such as sweat meters, step sensors, heart rate sensors, and oximeters allow healthcare professionals to gain better insights into their patients’ health. That way, doctors can personalize patient experiences and prescribe more effective therapies.
Given that, it is not surprising that the wearable medical device market will reach $27 million by 2023.
3. Artificial Intelligence
If you are still afraid that artificial intelligence will replace your job, do not worry. If you go to the Will Robots Take My Job website and search for “physicians and surgeons,” you will see that there is very little chance of this occupation being replaced by robots.
While AI cannot take your job, it can improve it. Various AI technologies, such as natural language processing, machine learning, and task automation, change the healthcare sector. You can implement these technologies into various healthcare fields, from pediatrics to immunology.
The best thing about AI is that it collects and analyzes massive amounts of data and transforms them into valuable insights. It plays a crucial role in early-phase disease detection. That is particularly relevant to pink screening services, such as mammography.
For instance, AI tools can diagnose breast cancer risk faster than humans. Most importantly, they offer 99% accuracy. For physicians, that is the opportunity to reduce the risk of human error. These technologies comb through millions of documents and breast cancer images, identifying changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.
These technologies are also vital for patient treatment. AI tools scan patient records and compare patients’ health with their therapy. That way, they help clinics identify trends and medication errors.
4. Robotics
Robotics goes hand in hand with the AI technologies mentioned above. They are used in many healthcare fields, including patient rehabilitation, cleaning, surgery, and helping individuals with chronic diseases.
Robotics helps healthcare organizations can minimize expenses and reduce the need for hiring new staff. Above all, they can improve patient care.
Robots also play a vital role in healthcare training. For example, robots can imitate emergencies, allowing healthcare professionals to prepare better.
5. Blockchain
Advanced technologies mentioned above improve healthcare in many ways, from automating repetitive tasks to better patient care. However, with the rise of the cloud, IoT, and big data, cybersecurity risks are also growing.
Healthcare companies keep sensitive patient data, such as their health records or financial information, on their servers. As such, they are online hackers’ lucrative target. According to surveys, data breaches cost the healthcare sector $6.5 billion annually.
One of the most effective ways to address this issue is the implementation of blockchain technologies. They use decentralization and encryption, making sure that patient information is unalterable and transparent. Most importantly, cybercriminals cannot breach and compromise this data.
Healthcare institutions are starting to understand the importance of blockchain technologies. Statistics say that blockchain in healthcare will reach $890.5 million by 2023.
6. 3D Printing
3D printing has taken the healthcare industry to a whole new level. With it, companies in healthcare can save time and reduce costs. With these technologies, companies can create artificial bones, prosthetics, and supports. 3D printing can even be used for creating transplants and tissue repair. The potential of this technology is immense.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In 2021, we will witness the revolution of healthcare technologies and their massive implementation. From artificial intelligence and robotics to wearables, these tech trends can improve the efficiency of healthcare organizations.
With these technologies, they can automate many repetitive tasks, improve patient health and care, and identify diseases faster. Tools like 3D printing will make healthcare services more affordable.
Author's Bio: Eve Anderson is a marketing specialist turned blogger. Interested in sports and exciting travel destinations. She loves to share content that can inform people.