The healthcare industry is one of the most important industries globally, and its wellbeing is a top objective. Digitization has shaped the healthcare industry in recent years and is here to innovate, revolutionise and make our lives better. Although reluctant at first, specialists cannot ignore the great results and potential that new technology has, and the way that it could reform the medical field. Patients are seeing the benefits as well and are more open to using digital solutions. They have easier access to healthcare and are more satisfied with medical services, as these services are improved and enhanced by means of new technologies.
Telemedicine – medical consultations anytime, anywhere.
Telemedicine makes reaching physicians and getting medical assistance more convenient, especially for patients that live far from any medical unit. After getting diagnosed, patients receive treatment plans and prescriptions that they can print out and use without having to go to the doctor’s office.
VR and AR – realistic simulations and relief to patients.
Technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality are also being used to the patient’s advantage. They can be a great alternative to medication in regards to people who suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, bringing them a sense of relief and calm, without them having to take any pills that can cause more damage in the long run. AR and VR are also used in trainings, where simulations can be done, and students can really get a sense of the real thing and attain valuable skills. These technologies have also proven to be effective in treating Alzheimer and dementia and have even helped people to retrieve memories.
Big Data – instant access to patients’ medical history.
An important part of the way that the healthcare industry carries itself is data. Huge amounts of it, that needs to be stored, transferred, viewed, and easily accessed. Through the technology brought by Big Data, information such as a patient’s medical history is easy to find by a physician, that can have a wide perspective of the case, considering previous diagnosis, treatments, interventions and even allergies that one might have. Big data is also used in prevention plans and analysis of staff requirements.
AI – accurate results on tests, scans and helpful robots.
Artificial intelligence has numerous applications in the healthcare industry as well. In radiology for example, images are analysed with a high level of accuracy, reducing human errors, and helping patients get an early diagnosis, which leads to an increased chance of recovery. AI powered chatbots and assistants, that can be accessed anytime, by anyone, will answer medical questions, make suggestions, appointments and deal with payments. Robots and droids that can make doctors’ and nurses’ lives easier are already being used by some hospitals and AI has also had promising results in the discovery of new medication.
5G – surgery from a distance.
Another digital side of digitization that is 5G, makes remote surgery a reality, and surgeons have already performed interventions from distant locations with success. 5G enabled drones have also been used to deliver medicine and treatments to patients that are in hard to reach geographical locations.
Wearables – gadgets that can save our lives.
When it comes to wearable devices, medical gadgets that we all have access to, can provide important information, by monitoring out heart rate or the level of oxygen saturation in blood. These devices can warn us about possible illnesses, having a great role in prevention and even get us emergency medical help if needed.
Software solutions – tackle software requirements.
The healthcare industry benefits from new software solutions, that make scheduling, making or cancelling appointments an easy task. Software companies provide services that also ease employee management, financial procedures, and communication. Processes are optimised, security is strengthened, and the medical staff is more organised, due to the digitized system.
Conclusion
Digitisation is shaping the healthcare industry by introducing new business models and digital solutions to help address numerous issues. These solutions improve interaction between medical staff and patients, reduce human errors, costs and make high quality healthcare widely available. By focusing on prevention and early detection, fewer people end up developing chronic diseases, improving our quality of life as well as life expectancy.
Digital Transformation with Arnia Software
As a digital transformation company, we are offering a full range of digital transformation consulting services and the opportunity for you and your company to use new technologies, with a faster, better and more innovative impact. Both people and technology are important pieces in the process of digital transformation. You can gain competitive advantages, increase productivity, attract new customers or retain the current ones, innovate and develop new opportunities for your businesses.