Technology and the Healthcare Industry

From education to the legal/justice system, to entertainment, transport, commerce, name them all; the central theme has for quite some time been the evolution of technology and its evident impact on the fields. Healthcare industry has not been an exception. This theme will go on into the foreseeable and unforeseeable future, for it is unlikely that the world, having tasted the sweetness of technology, will look back. The yester-years’ medical practitioners who did everything manually have now had to hone their computer and technology literacy skills to remain relevant.

For you see, from the invention of infusion pumps and dialysis machines to the creation of antibiotics, heart valves and MRI scanners, technology continues to edge towards the central position of the medical industry, so much so that medical facilities that are yet to deploy one or more medical technology equipment and applications are just a handful, and even the most ‘analog’ patient will think twice before visiting the facility. Technology automates, extends and perfects tasks and operations that previously had to be done by people —and that can free medical providers to focus their time and efforts elsewhere, while also potentially reducing the overall cost of medical care.

“Technology has done a lot to improve both our understanding of complex medical and physiological issues, as well as decrease the barriers to delivering care directly to patients,” – Rafael Salazar II, an occupational therapist

So, in what ways has technology transformed the Healthcare industry?

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

In the past, hospitals had disparate information systems that were clumsy in their ability to share and transfer patient records. With the advent of EHRs, many systems have been connected, allowing for faster information transfers and more integrated and efficient care. The now-antiquated process of using paper filing systems to log patient records made it difficult for clinicians practicing in different facilities to collaborate when it came to patient care.

“EHRs are changing the face of global healthcare by providing medical professionals with a fuller, more holistic picture of a patient’s health history, enabling them to make more nuanced decisions regarding their treatment,” – Chris Wiegand, a medical practitioner.

Telemedicine / Telehealth

Telemedicine refers to methods of advancing healthcare based on telecommunications technologies. There are several reasons telehealth is becoming more popular and successful. First, in rural areas where access to hospitals and other health related services are lacking, patients can use their mobile phones to meet virtually with a doctor. Secondly, the cost benefits associated with telehealth are substantial.

Our Kenyan locally developed medical mobile apps such as M-Tiba, MyDawa, Daktari Popote and MedAfrica, just to mention a few, have gone a long way in ensuring that citizens and patients have seamless access to the best health care information and consultancy services from the comfort of their houses or offices. These apps have also enhanced communication between medical facilities, medical practitioners and their patients, enabling information exchange, monitoring and tracking of patients’ adherence to plan of healthcare by their doctors/caregivers.

Personalized treatment

Another way technology is driving our healthcare system forward is in its ability to increase patient engagement through the use of devices and wearable technology. Such devices can provide insight to help create hyper-targeted, personalized health and wellness plans. This personalization can be very precise and can be accomplished through analyzing individuals’ data and presenting care, coaching and health recommendations that precisely address their set of conditions, goals and lifestyle.

Surgical technology

Surgical operations, thanks to technology, are now conducted with striking ease and precision, and that has brought about numerous benefits including reduced costs and short recovery periods for patients.

“I believe we already live in a world where technology now goes hand-in-hand with medicine, ranging from pre-operative planning to performing surgeries to monitoring outcomes,”- Dr. Charlie Chen – a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

With 3D technology, surgeons are now able to come up with all possible reconstructions on a patient’s body, which guide them where to make the most accurate incisions. They can review these images beforehand without making a single incision to plan their surgeries.

“Another example is using infrared technology to monitor blood flow in our flaps, which are used in breast or head and neck cancer reconstruction. Implantable devices are also available that send real-time blood flow data directly to our phones.” Adds Dr. Charlie Chen