Today, technology plays such a big part in our lives; it’s everywhere we turn and involved in a lot of what we do, even if it’s as simple as using your mobile phone. In fact, it’s hard to imagine life without technology these days!
Many say that life would be easier without all of this technology, but a common question that I often hear is, “How did we ever cope without technology?” and I can’t help but agree with that – how did we ever cope?
Now we know life with all our mod-con gadgets, it’s tricky to imagine life without. And that forms the basis for this blog as we take a look at the ways in which health technology helps to keep us fit and healthy for longer.
1. Building online storage spaces: making health information more accessible
Health information technology (HIT) makes it possible to have a storage space for our medical information, and electronic medical record systems are an area where HIT is very useful. It helps in storing clinical information about patients and this information can then be exchanged among doctors for better treatment of patients.
2. Remote care and telemedicine is bridging the doctor-patient gap
Telemedicine and remote care is the future of health care, and is an example of how far technology has progressed. Home healthcare services and innovative technology will allow for doctor-patient contact where it had not been previously possible, saving lives, time and money.
Patient monitoring before, during, and after a procedure can include independent robots to assist doctors in helping patients who are remotely located and not easily reachable. Incredible!
3. Health and fitness apps and wearables to keep people fit
In last few years, health and fitness apps have bombarded the health and fitness industry. There are different apps catering to the need of an individual, ranging from nutritional apps to exercises workouts and calorie counters.
The latest wearables like fitness bands such as the Apple Watch and Fit Bit can track our daily workout activities and suggest improvements and new exercise routes to take.
4. Helping doctors collaborate and communicate for better patient care
Developing apps that can help doctors communicate and connect with each other will help in bridging the gap between medical standards in different countries. This also will ensure a coordinated patient care.
Many of these apps have been built recently, such as: ‘Curofy’, ‘Doximity’ and ‘Sermo’. These apps provide a discussion platform for doctors to connect with other doctors in the network and get a second opinion on cases. This coordinated care of a patient is saving many lives, and ensuring a healthier world.
5. Making doctors more accessible and reliable for patients
Waiting outside a doctor’s clinic is always a hassle when we’re all as busy as we are! Thanks to technology, your appointment with a doctor can be done on an app, such as: ‘Practo’ and ‘Lybrate’. These apps allow for patients to search a doctor in a locality and book an appointment online. The apps contain reviews and ratings of the doctors to ensure credibility.
Advances in technology over the last few years have been huge. These innovations are creating greater efficiency in services and meeting peoples needs and requirements. Adversely, it could be largely responsible for increases in workload, stress and long working hours! Using technology in a positive manner as detailed here can be hugely beneficial.
The ultimate question I guess is, “Could technology ever completely replace a personal touch? And what would that look like if it does?”
