Health Care Needs Better Tech: How Hospitals, Clinics, and Other Offices Can Improve
Published on 16 July 14
Hannah0
While technology is growing by leaps and bounds, the health care industry still falls sadly behind in this area. While new equipment can be expensive, there are many health care technologies that can be implemented for just the cost of an iPad app. These are just a few of the ways incorporating up-to-date technology can improve health care.
Social Media Patient Connections
A doctor's visit can be intimidating and expensive, which is why some medical facilities are using social media to connect with their patients. Through web chatting, Facebook, and Twitter, hospitals and clinics can answer questions, reach out to their community, and raise health awareness.
Data Efficiency
A large majority of medical operations still depend on paper documentation. This archaic system really is a drag on the efficiency of medical centers. In addition, there is vast potential to build systems that help understand medical trends a lot better. This niche of the medical field has a high demand for those with health information management degrees, computer science degrees, and other IT degrees. With custom systems being built every day, medicine worldwide is becoming smarter.
Internet-Based Care Management
Online programs can assist patients in managing chronic illnesses and provide valuable information to their physicians. One example is eCare for Health, which charts blood sugar and blood pressure levels for diabetic patients. This allows patients to self-monitor easily and keeps their doctor in the loop at all times.
Physical Therapy Video Games
A 2011 study from the Journal of Critical Care indicates that movement-based games on systems like the Wii Fit and Xbox Kinect can be used to improve physical therapy. Overall, patients found the games engaging and were more likely to participate fully in their physical therapy sessions.
Automatic Language Translation
Medical translation tools like Omnifluent Health can be invaluable when it comes to dealing with patients who do not speak fluent English. Medical emergencies don't always allow time to find a human translator, and these apps help doctors and nurses acquire essential patient information at the touch of a button.
Increased Collaboration for Physicians
Phyisician-only social networks like Doximity comply with HIPAA security guidelines, so doctors can safely and legally share medical details with each other that they can't via email. This makes it easier for health care workers all over the country to collaborate and choose the best treatment options for their patients.
Improve Medication Compliance
While nobody can force patients to take their medications, mobile technology can help patients out a little. For example, they could receive daily reminders to take their medication and refill prescriptions. They could even send a confirmation text when they do take their meds, giving them an easy way to self-document their compliance.
Some of these are brand new technological options, while others are familiar programs repurposed to improve health care. Hospitals and clinics looking to stay on top of their game would do well to implement some of these new strategies.
This blog is listed under
Industry Specific Applications
and Data & Information Management
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