Fast-paced and rapid inventions have started establishing their imprints in various lines of businesses. Technology has become an indispensable part of many establishments, and there have been a lot of advantages due to its influence. The same goes for healthcare, where digital health has become a front-runner in digital health trends and making the lives of both patients and healthcare staff better. With changing times, especially during the current pandemic situation, there has been increasing dependence on telemedicine. Telemedicine is just one of the “trends” whose involvement has greatly helped adapt to efficient consultations without bringing in patients to the hospital for minor ailments. This article aims to touch upon a few digital health trends that are here to stay!
Any new tool or technology goes through various processes of trials and perfecting to be adopted into everyday use. It’s not an easy process and has to be carefully studied to make use of its maximum potential. We’re lucky that it’s easier now than before to study, test, and implement technology into healthcare. Here are some that are being used increasingly in healthcare currently with positive outcomes.
Devices at your fingertips
Self-monitoring devices have become very popular recently, even though they have been around for quite some time now.
The reason they’re gaining popularity is because they are easy to use, give proper information about what you are monitoring, and since don’t require expert intervention, you can use them by yourselves. With these trackers and sensors, you can set your exercise goals and have a sense of control and involvement in your health matters.
These devices come in various configurations like wearable gadgets, monitoring devices, sensors that you wear at all times or just when required.
Some familiar gadgets are heart rate sensors that monitor your heart rate and detect any changes in rate or rhythm. There are reports of such devices saving lives because of rapid detection in change in heart rate and timely intervention.
Another in-demand wearable is an exercise tracker, which is now found in every fitness enthusiast’s possession. These trackers record every vital bodily information like the pulse rate, respiratory rate, number of calories burned, the duration of exercise, and much more. Sophisticated ones even have advanced sleep settings and tailored workout routines that cater to a person’s requirements!
An excellent device is the pulse oximeter. It has garnered a lot of attention recently due to covid. Well-tuned pulse oximeters give an almost accurate indication of the oxygen saturation level in your blood, an important indicator of your respiratory status. This helps you to keep a track of their saturation levels at home and when to seek help.
Shifting consultations to telemedicine
Telemedicine, a relatively novel concept involves communication between a doctor and patient virtually. More importance has been given to telemedicine, which is possible only with the help of technology, thus classifying it under digital health trends.
This has been introduced again recently to avoid long waiting hours and crowding of people in a hospital. Doctors and other healthcare staff like psychologists, health advisors, and therapists have been relying on virtual consultations where they enquire carefully about a patient’s health status and present complaints, and determine whether they need a visit to the hospital or not. For minor ailments, apt advice is given virtually, thus allowing the patient to remain at home, avoiding unnecessary travel and exposure. Counseling services and mental health services can also employ this mode of consultation.
Using technology in administration
Digital technology has been an immense aid in administration and hospital management. Compiling patient data, drawing conclusions from medical records, and using this data for research and statistical purposes are some of the ways where technology is playing a role. In the era of evidence-based medicine, collecting and studying a large amount of data is time-consuming.
By using computer programs this can be analyzed and studied easily. For patients, having their health records online offers easier access and all their medical history in one place. This is convenient for patients and doctors who can have everything on a screen. This comes in handy even during referrals. In offices, employers can keep a health database and introduce wellness programs accordingly.
Digital Health Trends Shift
The availability of information online about health conditions is also a digital influence on health, but you have to choose reliable sources or those recommended by your healthcare provider.
There are many more connections between health and technology, which if used wisely will be beneficial for the future.
