Healthcare providers are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve patient care. One way they are doing this is by utilizing technology solutions that make the process more efficient and seamless for both the patient and the provider.
These innovative solutions are not only making the lives of patients easier, but they are also making the jobs of healthcare professionals less stressful. Of course, the process is not perfect and these solutions still have a long way to go before they can completely replace paper records.
However, the benefits of utilizing technology outweigh the negatives. This is because the additional benefits of utilizing these innovative solutions are making the healthcare system safer, more patient-centered, and efficient. Here are some innovative tech solutions currently being used that is helping to improve patient care:
Patient Portals
Healthcare providers are looking to patient portals as a way to improve the quality of care they can provide. A portal is essentially an online platform that allows patients to schedule appointments, confirm their insurance information, request prescription refills, and communicate with their doctor’s office via secure messaging.
This can help to eliminate the need for patients to make multiple phone calls and instead, streamline the entire appointment and prescription refill process. This can help to improve patient care by making it easier for the patient and less time-consuming for the provider.
Digital Records
With electronic health records, both healthcare providers and their patients can have instant access to a patient’s medical history. This can be extremely helpful in diagnosing and treating them, all while minimizing the risk of medical errors that can occur when patient history is not taken into account.
Aside from the patient’s record, providers can also keep tabs on all of their clinical information. For example, online dashboards allow them to follow the care that their patients are receiving regularly. This can include information such as whether their prescription medications were filled, what appointments they missed, and when the last time they visited their doctor was.
Mobile Apps
Patient mobile apps can help to improve the quality of care by allowing patients to schedule appointments promptly. They can also help to improve patient care by allowing the recipient to communicate with their healthcare provider through secure messaging.
These platforms give patients secure internet access to their medical records, appointment schedules, and test results. This can be especially helpful in certain situations, such as when they are traveling or when they need to see a specialist who is affiliated with their healthcare provider.
Wearable Tech
Healthcare providers are setting their sights on wearables as new technology that can help them to improve patient care. For example, smartphone apps allow doctors to send secure messages to patients, which can be used for consultations and follow-ups.
Additionally, some apps can help patients track their health by recording vitals, medication intake, and blood glucose levels. However, the most promising wearables are those that can help doctors track things like heart rate, pulse, and respiratory rates.
This technology holds much promise for the future as wearables continue to become more sophisticated.
Telehealth and Telemedicine
Telemedicine allows doctors to assess and treat patients quickly, even those who live in remote areas. Many times, this is achieved through a live video chat, where the doctor can discuss their symptoms and make a diagnosis.
The other option is for doctors to visit patients in remote areas though this is not always the best. Sometimes, a patient needs to be seen right away, and making them travel to see their doctor can delay treatment and may even make it impossible for them to receive the care they need.
This technology is improving patient care by making medical professionals more accessible to everyone, especially those who live in rural areas and do not have access to the care they need.
Why innovation in the field of medicine is vital
In the past, connecting with a doctor could be done only face-to-face. This made it impossible for those in disadvantaged and underprivileged areas to receive high-quality medical care. However, technology has changed all of this and is now helping healthcare providers from every area to provide patients with the best care possible.
This is still a work in progress, and in reality, the healthcare industry still has a long way to go in providing accessible healthcare for all. But at the same time, these steps are paving the way for more people to receive better care, while simultaneously reducing medical errors that can occur when patients are misdiagnosed or are not receiving their prescribed medication.
The more technology is used to increase the efficiency of healthcare, the better patient care will become as a whole. So, healthcare providers will continue to look for new and innovative ways to improve the quality of care for their patients. With innovative technology, they will be able to provide better and more efficient care to their patients every day.
Meta title: Overcoming Obstacles in Healthcare with Innovation
meta desc: Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing the patient experience and ensuring that healthcare providers are able to provide the best care possible. Here are some examples.
