And it’s going mobile, too. As technology becomes handheld, doctors can improve health care delivery and ensure around-the-clock care for their patients.
Health informatics has a bright and promising future grounded in evolving technology. The push toward more mobile health care calls for greater innovation, which is why more universities are offering programs to prepare students for STEM careers in health informatics. Here’s how the health informatics industry has transformed provider-patient care and hospital administration.
Shattering geographical limitations
Virtual communications like email, instant messaging and video chat have given millions of people worldwide access to health care. Through telemedicine, patients who live in remote locations or lack transportation are able to seek consultation from health care providers and discuss symptoms or any other critical information without leaving their homes. Telemedicine is both convenient and life-saving, as many patients using this technology might not have otherwise received proper care.
In some cases, this technology has even gone as far as enabling remote surgeries; doctors have been able to successfully operate on patients across the globe using advanced robotic systems. Robotic surgeons and “telesurgery” have evolved with improved internet speeds to become a safe and successful form of care. The opportunity for growth in telemedicine, and its ability to provide instant, reliable care, will continue to allow doctors to save lives around the world.
Promoting healthy and preventative habits
The wearable tech industry has skyrocketed in recent years, evolving simple concepts like the pedometer into completely integrated health monitoring systems. Products like FitBit make it effortless, and even trendy, for patients to track their activity, vitals, and other critical information. These users are more aware of their health on a daily basis and are empowered and motivated to live a healthier lifestyle and prevent diseases such as diabetes. Likewise, devices that track a patient’s vitals alert patients and doctors of warning signs before they worsen. For instance, this mobile app is being developed to act as a personal assistant of sorts for diabetics, reminding them to check their blood glucose levels, monitor and chart their lifestyle habits, and provide a platform for emotional support.
Even insurance companies have noticed the benefits of wearable technology. UnitedHealth Group has expanded its coverage to pay for wearable health devices and offers cash incentives based on tracked activity. The idea is that investing in the promotion of wellness will have the long-term impact of lowering health care costs. Patients and insurance providers are both better off when patient health is improved.
Streamlining data exchange
Since the enactment of Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health, cloud-based medical records have become the standard for all types of medicine. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems hold digital files of all patient information, making them instantly accessible to the providers who need them. EHR systems are not only convenient and efficient, but they can also be life-saving in emergency situations by eliminating guesswork around patient information. In the era of paper or even early electronic records that were stored offline, data retrieval and exchange were much more difficult and time-consuming, robbing valuable time from the treatment of patients.
Technological innovation is crucial to the future development of the health care industry. It is saving patients and doctors time and money, and most importantly it is saving lives. The integration of technology in medicine is no longer a luxury; it is now a necessity. Medicine and tech will continue to merge further as health informaticists find new cutting-edge ways to improve the health care experience for everyone involved.
Scott Rhodes
Vice Provost of Enrollment
With an 18-year background in higher education, Scott Rhodes leads enrollment and recruitment strategies for Florida Polytechnic University. His responsibilities encompass undergraduate admissions, graduate enrollment and enrollment marketing, financial aid, student records and registration and enrollment market research.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Becker’s Hospital Review/Becker’s Healthcare. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.
