Just like most of the market, the healthcare industry has seen massive progress in the last decade. How? Thanks to tech! 

Today, we find tech-integration in almost everything. Ever since the advent of the internet, the technology sector has not only witnessed a major worldwide boom but also seems to have an elevated position in every industry, especially healthcare.  Nowadays, technology plays a vital role in the health sector. For example, laboratories like Nolacovidtesting provide many resources that make testing for SARS -CoV-2(Covid-19) possible.

2020 seems to have added the cherry on top of this budding relationship of the healthcare industry and tech. The whole set up of working from home has brought the attention of scientific researchers and other relevant authorities to an essential question in the healthcare industry: how is the technology impacting patient experience? Is it helping us the way we need it to in the current crisis? 

Below, you will find the conclusion that experts drew lately. And of course, the basis of this conclusion as well as future predictions. So, let’s get started.

Tech Revolution In Healthcare Industry 

Over time, the healthcare industry has observed numerous amazing technological advancements. Here are some that are not only revolutionizing but have proved to be of great benefit in 2020.

Patient Portal Technology 

 A patient portal refers to a secure online site for patients, which allows 24-hour access to personal health information. Usually, these sites provide a unique username and password to the patients for security purposes. 

People can use the patient portal to learn about doctor visit history, medications, discharge summaries, lab results, allergies, and other health-related information.  

Certain patient portals enable the patients to schedule appointments, communicate with the doctor, request prescription refills, access forms, and even make payments. 

Self-service Kiosks 

Up till now, we have seen kiosks at restaurants and malls. However, now, these self-service terminals have entered the healthcare industry. Kiosks at hospitals allow patients to register themselves and perform other related tasks, without human-to-human interaction. 

Remote Patient Monitoring Tools 

Similar to portal technology, the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) collects health data from individuals and transmits to healthcare providers electronically. The RPM utilizes digital technologies, such as integrated apps.

How Does It Help The Patients? 

As you see above, technology is contributing to the development of a positive health care experience. With increased ease and convenience, more and more people feel encouraged to report to the hospitals when need be. The following are a few improvements brought about by technology for patient experience:

• Reduced Faulty Operations

One of the most effective ways in which technology is benefitting the healthcare industry is by reducing possible errors and faults. Back in 2013, a study concluded that tech-integration and development could save about 400,000 lives from preventable medical harm. Due to the same reason, we see advanced medical equipment today that reduced the number of failed operations and increased efficiency.

Apart from a noteworthy elevation in successful treatments, technology has also eradicated the loss of health that a clinician’s limited knowledge could cause. For example, a clinician who does not keep up with advancing science may not be able to diagnose a newer kind of disease. Or, suggest a newly developed medicine for it. In such cases, e-prescriptions come in handy, which are platforms with stored medical data and capable of prescribing suitable medicine.

• Seamless Communication 

Perhaps, the earliest integration of technology in the healthcare department was in the form of patient portals. Back in the day, it was perhaps only web-based communication. But today, thanks to the advancement of technology, doctors can communicate with their patients through email, social media, web, or Patient-Relationship Management Systems (PRMs). Thus, making two-way communication smooth and easy.

According to a reputable medication management company’s data, today, about 83 percent of patients prefer to receive digital reminders about their scheduled appointments, blood pressure check, prescription collection, and all such activities. For that very reason, we see several medical care platforms opening up like Epharmix, which are making communication between patients, clinicians, pharmacists even more convenient.

• Increased Accessibility 

Digitalization has also contributed greatly to increased accessibility. The Internet has brought all sorts of information to everyone’s access. Today, people need not do with a general physician because there’s none in their local area, and it’s difficult to know the authenticity of those who offer their services outside their locality. Instead, they can google their needs and find information about relevant medical experts along with reliable reviews.

Moreover, digital modes of communication have won the hearts of so many patients that we see 47% of healthcare companies investing huge amounts on technology quite very soon. Thus, accessibility will increase even further. Plus, technology has also led to shorter waiting times by improving management systems.

Does Working from Home Imply the Same? 

Undeniably, technological advancements have improved the patient experience significantly over the years. But is it the same in 2020? 

The year has brought us a major health crisis due to the spread of Coronavirus. Also, a majority of the population is working from home, even the medicinal staff. So, is the patient experience the same even today? 

Fortunately, technology has benefited mankind a lot during these chaotic times. Medics and healthcare specialists have adopted an online consultation method to address the needs of the ill. The video call appointments between patients and doctors have kept the healthcare system smooth. 

However, at times, the limitation of in-person meetings does hinder the patient experience. For example, scans and diagnosing tests cannot get carried out in the safety of home. Regardless, considering the sudden befall of a pandemic, technology has aided all the aspects greatly.