The medical field has experienced a major shift over the past few decades that has incorporated more technology into healthcare. These advances have changed the way that doctors diagnose and treat many conditions and improved how they interact with available data. Patients are able to get faster, more accurate care. Staying abreast of changing technology is essential in healthcare, and here are just a few of the ways technology has continued to advance:
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) have become common place in nearly all medical facilities. Rather than following a paper trail, medical providers have access to all of a patient’s files in one convenient location. They can review information from past visits, check lab results and scans, and better coordinate care across providers. This medical scheduling software has also improved billing and coding practices as well as enhanced patient safety among most of the major practice areas.
Robotics have changed the way that medical procedures are performed. They can allow for more precise, less invasive surgery. In some cases the surgeon may be able to operate them remotely, providing care for patients outside of their immediate area. Robotics have also been used to create more effective prosthetics and exoskeletons to enhance quality of life for patients and improve function.
Similarly, 3D printing is also making strides in care. Scientists have printed organ tissues for research allowing them to test new drugs and treatment methods without putting patients at risk. They have printed prosthetics, braces, casts, and are even working on a way to bioprint entire organs. This could change the way that the transplant process works by giving scientists the ability to print organs from patients’ own cells.
Diagnostic technology such as ultrasound has also seen improvements. Devices have become smaller and more mobile so that doctors can transport them more easily for point-of-care service. Images have become clearer and more detailed as opposed to what patients may have been used to in the past. An ultrasound repair technician can ensure that equipment is functioning properly for optimal sensitivity when creating images. Sometimes a quick probe and transducer repair is all that is needed to allow medical providers to continue making vital diagnoses for more prompt treatment. Wireless transducers provide more mobility in capturing images and reduce the hassle of cords getting in the way.
Telemedicine has also come to the forefront of healthcare with advances in technology. Video conferences can be an effective way for doctors to provide remote care to patients. They can engage in diagnosis of certain conditions, answer questions, provide follow-up, and hold counseling sessions. Doctors can also use this technology to confer with one another and share ideas and information.
Advances in technology have put information at the fingertips of medical providers. They can use electronic resources to access information from throughout the world and within any specialty to provide more comprehensive care, informed diagnoses, and targeted treatment. They are not limited to only what is available through their network of connections. Technology is saving lives and improving how healthcare operates. With ongoing research, there are sure to be more cutting-edge advancements on the way.
