The healthcare industry is a vital sector of any society. It acts as the backbone for the development of any nation. It helps people lead a healthy and independent life. Since it is of the utmost importance in any economy, it is vital to keep it updated. Doctors and hospitals must apply the newest trends and techniques in their practice to provide the best care possible. And with the continually advancing technology, this field has developed a lot in recent years. Following are some technological changes that have changed the course of medicine for us:
- Mobile Medical Devices
Mobile medical equipment is one piece of evidence of how far we’ve come. The machines which generally required a lot of space can now fit into a small device. For example, the Fitbit and Apple watch. These devices use sensors to calculate your heartbeat, temperature, and other essential features. For a person who has to control his heartbeat, such devices work as a blessing. Now, it isn’t necessary to visit the hospital for each check-up, and neither do you have to own specific machines. As opposed to that, you can check and monitor vitals through small medical devices. Not only do these provide accurate readings, but they also help you save time and money that you otherwise spend on hospital visits.
- Online Education
It is not easy to understand the complexity of the human body and its functions. Moreover, hospital management and emergency cases also add up to the pressure of students. From doctors, dentists, nurses, and staff, everyone has to deal with this. Due to that, medical students require up-to-date information from the best source possible. This process is made easier with online education. Virtual lectures, online tests, and remote education have simplified this field. It enables students to learn high-quality skills from their homes. It also makes the post-graduation and other courses accessible to working undergraduates. Courses like online DNP programs, dietician, and other pharmaceuticals programs are readily available for students worldwide. Due to this, medical staff can get proper teachings of the hospital protocols and techniques. It is needless to say that online education has provided a new concept to our traditional medical education.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR and AR are undeniably a revolutionary change in medicine, and both provide exceptional ease to the healthcare system. They are different in function but offer somewhat similar purposes. While Virtual reality shuts down all the senses, augmented reality adds 3D sensation in the real-time world. Both of these technologies have shown tremendous results in the healthcare industry. VR is generally used for the patients to calm them during procedures. It is also used for patients to elevate their mood and distract them from the hospital environment. And as far as augmented reality is concerned, it is used to educate new students. It helps them study complex structures of the human body without having to dissect an actual human corpse. One can say it is the future of the healthcare education system.
- Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records are stored in the cloud for easy access. It has a collective history of an individual that is available for every healthcare worker. Especially in cases of emergency, this data proves as a life-saving asset. It provides accurate and exact information regarding the patient, that too, within minutes. From medical treatments to drug history, there is everything in this record for the doctor. And no matter where the patient is, they can easily access it.Â
- Nanomedicine
Due to technological advancements, medicine is no longer about large incisions and extensive operations. Instead, it is all about preserving the maximum amount of human flesh as possible. Surgeons who are up-to-date with new trends always prefer nanomedicine over the traditional practice. Nanomedicine includes the usage of nanotechnology for various medical procedures. Examples of this technology include biosensor machines and nano stem cells that can stimulate cardiac cells’ growth in the human body. It is still a new approach to medicine. But if we maintain the current pace, nanotechnology will change the course of this field.
- 3D Printing Technology
3D printing is not new in the medicinal field. But if we talk about the breakthroughs of this field, then it surely deserves mention. 3D printing has opened the gates to inexpensive and reliable prosthetics. Before this technology, patients used to suffer from the loss of their body parts. As the traditional prosthesis usually cost a lot, many of them had to live without any replacement. But with this technology, prostheses are now available at affordable prices for all. Moreover, this technique has changed the way the usual medicine used to work. With its vast range of options for material, you can print anything. From bones to an artificial hand, there is no limit to 3D printing. If used properly, it can change the way we used to look at prosthetic medicine.
The Bottom Line
Technology is undoubtedly the key to advancement in every field. Similar is the case for the field of healthcare. With the incorporation of technology, we have seen such significant development in this industry that has made human live convenient. From fast diagnostic tests to advanced surgical tools, the work done in medicine is truly remarkable. But as we are surprised by this growth, we know this is not the end of our approach. It is an ongoing process, and several groundbreaking transformations will occur soon in this sector.Â
