Tech Health: 8 Ways Technology Has Changed Healthcare

Technological leaps have largely been beneficial to humanity, especially in healthcare. We are seeing an overall higher life expectancy and better quality of life compared to a couple of hundred years ago. Below are some examples of how technology has changed healthcare.

 

1.FASTER RESULTS

 

Before, getting results of a medical test usually takes days or weeks, some even taking months. Advances in technology made it possible to get the results a lot quicker - the moment the lab is done with your sample. Today, many clinics and hospitals offer online viewing of results so patients have instant access to their results within hours. Web portals also give patients access to past medical records so they can keep track of their medical issues, appointments, as well as billing.

 

2.HELPS IN PREDICTING OUTBREAKS

 

A good portion of the population usually turns to the internet when they start to feel sick to find answers. This data is actually added up to build a large picture that's specific to that type of query. The locations can be tabulated and used to establish form these searches and a database can be created to show the rise and spread of an infectious disease. This is especially useful in preparing for an outbreak and predicting the outlook.

 

3.ACCESS TO DNA SEQUENCING

 

The human genome has been sequenced since 2003. The process took 13 years to complete and cost about 3 billion dollars. Because of technological advancements, that cost has been whittled down to about $1000 for gene sequencing. The data and information found in DNA are more readily accessible to both medical professionals and patients.

 

4.BETTER OVERALL TREATMENT

 

As the years go by, humanity has benefited more and more from technological advancements in a myriad of ways. One such example is healthcare. Better equipment has allowed doctors and other medical staff to provide holistic and comprehensive care to patients. This, in turn, led to better treatments which helped to improve the quality of life of many people who are suffering from chronic and long-term illnesses. As an example, WIFI cameras purchased from a spy shop can increase safety and security for patients in long-term care facilities.

 

5.IMPROVED PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

 

Through the use of technology, physicians can now access patients' records far more quickly and efficiently. This allows them time to study in great detail their medical history and important medical information so they can create a personalized treatment plan for all their patients. In the past, medical files were stored in halls that require a lot of space, not to mention an astounding amount of paperwork. This makes it very hard to find files that date back a couple of years.

 

6.INTERCONNECTEDNESS WITH HEALTHCARE AND PATIENTS

 

Doctors, clinics, and research facilities can now take advantage of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to reach a large number of people. Hospitals are now using social media to connect with patients, answering their questions, launching public awareness campaigns, and doing community outreach programs. Many of these sites allow for instant messaging with doctors and nurses about medical issues and reminding people that their tests are now available.

 

7.IMPROVEMENT IN SOFTWARE

 

The development of specialized software has allowed organizations like the World Health Organization to quickly classify diseases, their symptoms, and causes into a comprehensive database with over 14,000 codes. Access to this information allows physicians and other medical professionals and researchers to track trends in order to control disease outbreak and improve healthcare.

 

8.REDUCED RECOVERY TIME AND RISK

 

Safety has been greatly improved through developments in technology. Advanced equipment and better access to medical information made treatments and procedures less risky. Recovery time has also been reduced due to all these advancements in technology. It's not possible to recover from a major surgery from several weeks down to just a couple of days.

 

AUTHOR BIO:

 

Leanne Brooks is a passionate blogger who writes about home improvement, travel, and technology. She is currently working with EyeSpySupply, the leading spy shop in the USA, which offers a wide range of surveillance equipment and spy gear.